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UNITED STATES HISTORY 
IN RHYME 



By 

MAUD M. SIMMERLEE 



HERMANN LECHNER 

Publisher 
96 FIFTH AVENUE, NEW YORK, N. Y. 






Copyright 1911 

by 

Maud M. Simmerleb 



$ i.6^D 



>CI.A30^.750 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 
IN RHYME 



AMERICA 

" My country 'tis of thee, 
Sweet land of liberty, 

Of thee I sing; 
Land where my fathers died, 
Land of the pilgrims pride, 
From every mountain-side 

Let freedom ring! 

My native country, thee, 
Land of the noble, free. 

Thy name I love; 
I love thy rocks and rills. 
Thy woods and templed hills, 
My heart with rapture thrills 

Like that above. 

Let music swell the breeze. 
And ring from all the trees 

Sweet freedom's song; 
Let mortal tongues awake; 
Let all that breathe partake; 
Let rocks their silence break, 

The sound prolong. 

Our father's God! to Thee, 
Author of liberty, 

To Thee we sing; 
Long may our land be bright 
With freedom's holy light; 
Protect us by Thy might, 

Great God, our King! " 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 

THE MOUND BUILDERS 

Who first lived in America, 

In ages past so long? 
There are no books to tell us now, 

In story, or in song. 
But that there lived a people here, 

Before Columbus came, 
There is evidence to tell us. 

Though we've not heard their name. 

In the Mississippi Valley — 

Its long and winding length — 
There are mounds, and banks of earthworks. 

Mute witness of their strength. 
They had vanished from the valley 

E'er the white man landed here; 
Were followed by the Indian, 

With arrow, bow and spear. 

THE INDIAN 

" The red man of the forest," 

The Indian well is named; 
For he built himself no cities. 

Nor any learning claimed. 
He constructed only wigwams, 

For a temporary home. 
Or built himself a bark canoe, 

Adown the stream to roam. 

To hunt and go to battle 

Was all his pride and joy; 
To shoot and throw the tomahawk 

Was how he trained his boy. 
He had neither cow nor garden. 

His squaw did all the work; 
She dressed the game he slaughtered. 

He taught her not to shirk. 



IN RHYME 

COLUMBUS 

In fourteen hundred thirty-five, 

In sunny Italy; 
A child was born of parents poor, 

Who trained him for the sea. 
As the eldest of four children 

His life was full of care. 
And 'tis said, when he was thirty, 

That snow-white was his hair. 

He said, he thought the earth was round; 

And that by sailing west. 
He would reach the coast of Asia, 

And prove that route the best. 
Then, all the people laughed at him 

And ridiculed his plan, 
They either thought him crazy, or 

A very foolish man. 

He went to John, of Portugal 

And asked of him some aid, 
And although it was refused him 

He was not yet dismayed. 
And then Columbus turned to Spain, 

And asked that he might be 
The messenger to carry Truth, 

To heathen o'er the sea. 

King Ferdinand refused his aid; 

Columbus turned away. 
Queen Isabella sent him word. 

She wished for him to stay. 
She'd undertake the enterprise. 

Receive the blame or praise. 
And her bright jewels she would pledge. 

The proper funds to raise. 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 

The noble queen was not required 

This sacrifice to make; 
For her good friends the funds soon brought, 

All for their Lady's sake. 
Columbus soon was fitted out, 

With fleet of vessels three. 
And the ships were named the Pinta, 

Nina, Santa Marie. 

When they had left dear Spain behind. 

And sailed into the west, 
The poor crew began to murmur, 

With grief and fear oppressed. 
They begged Columbus to return, 

At morning, night, and noon. 
He, who had waited eighteen years. 

Would not give up so soon. 

At last, upon October twelfth — 

In fourteen ninety-two — 
At dawn of day, they sighted land, 

And proved Columbus true. 
All dressed in scarlet and in gold. 

He stepped upon the land; 
Upon his knees, gave thanks to God, 

A cross raised in the sand. 

And three more voyages he made. 

In fourteen ninety-eight 
Discovered South America, 

But never knew how great 
A continent that he had found. 

He died in fifteen three. 
Still thinking it was Asia's coast 

He'd found across the sea. 



IN RHYME 

THE CABOTS 

An English navigator, John 

Cabot, of roving mind, 
Decided that a shorter route 

To India he'd find. 
From Henry VII he obtained 

Authority to go; 
And he discovered Labrador, 

That land of ice and snow. 
This in fourteen ninety-seven, 

Before Columbus came 
To the great Orinoco's mouth. 

The continent to claim. 

Sebastian Cabot, son of John, 

A youth of twenty-one. 
Next year discovered Newfoundland. 

And, then he made a run 
Along the coast to Chesapeake, 

Thereby to England gave 
A continent, yet no one knows 

The place where lies his grave. 
He found no way to India; 

No precious stones, nor gold; 
His trip was deemed a failure. 

And did no glory hold. 



SPANISH EXPLORATIONS 

Ponce de Leon was a soldier, bold and gay, 
But he was in disgrace, and looking for a way 

To restore the tarnished honor of his name. 
For a fabled, magic fountain, he did look; 
For a little bubbling spring, or running brook 

Where he might bathe, and lose his age and shame. 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 

In fifteen twelve he came to this Florida of ours 

On an Easter Sunday — the land was gay with flowers, 

And he named the land in honor of the day. 
He traveled far, but found neither glory nor youth. 
He turned back home at last — a wiser man in truth. 

But the name he gave to Florida will stay. 

BALBOA 

Balboa crossed the Isthmus of Darien, next year, 
When the Pacific Ocean, in grandeur did appear. 

With his naked sword, he waded in the main. 
The banner of Castile, he was holding in his hand; 
He solemnly declared, all the water and the land 

Which it washed, should belong forevermore to Spain. 

DE NARVAEZ (1528) 

De Narvaez thought that he could conquer Florida. 

So with three hundred men to vanquish every foe, 
This plucky little band wandered through the land 

Until they reached the Gulf of Mexico. 
Constructing, hastily, some boats, they put to sea. 

Narvaez in a shipwreck there was lost. 
After eight years four men reached the settlements again. 

The rest of the three hundred, it had cost. 

FERDINAND DE SOTO 

De Soto next ventured a foothold to gain 

On Florida's coast, but he tried it in vain 

With six hundred men, he gayly set sail 

Mid flourish of trumpets; nor thought he would fail. 

They journeyed for months, fighting Indians and beasts, 

A procession of cavaliers, soldiers, and priests. 

In fifteen forty-one, they came to the shore 

Of the broad Mississippi, its banks to explore. 



8 



IN RHYME 

One more year of hardship, and De Soto died. 
Back home o'er the ocean, he never would ride. 
They buried him there, in the dead of the night, 
While the priest repeated the funeral rite. 
By the light of the torches they laid the dead. 
With reverent hands, in the cold river bed. 
The rest of the party determined to go. 
And half of them finally reached Mexico. 



MENENDEZ 

Menendez, vi^iser than the rest, 
To start a city thought it best. 
St. Augustine he founded, straight, 
The oldest town in any state; 
And fifteen sixty-five, the date. 

California was next explored, 

Where gold, and precious stones were stored. 

Cortez the expeditions sent. 

But each one failed and homeward went. 

Their minds no more on treasure bent. 

Cabrillo up the coast then hied; 
In fifteen forty-two he died. 
Espejo founded Santa Fe, 
And named New Mexico, they say, 
Which he explored from day to day. 



FRENCH EXPLORATIONS 

The French the profits were eager to share. 
Which Spain was acquiring everywhere. 
In seven years after this country was found. 
For fishing, they coasted Newfoundland round. 



9 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 

The first one sent by the French king to find 
The new way to India — leave others behind — 
Was Verrazani, in fifteen twenty-four, 
The harbor of Wihtiington, he did explore. 

And then, as far south as Newport he sailed. 
With joy the green hills and woodlands he hailed, 
Supposing he was the first one to advance, 
He loyally christened the country New France. 

The St. Lawrence was explored by Cartier, 

To the Indian village of Hochelaga, 

Where Montreal city in future would stand. 

And there named the mountain that he thought so grand. 



JEAN RIBAUT 

Coligna, for religion's sake, 

And patriotism, too; 
Sent out an expedition now. 

Led by one, Jean Ribaut. 
So they landed at Port Royal, 

On South Carolina's shore, 
And there vowed they would defend it, 

And hold it evermore. 

But when Ribaut's fleet departed. 

And left a little band 
Of thirty men, to hold the fort 

In a strange, foreign land, 
They homesick grew and lonely, 

And scarce became their food. 
To put to sea, they built themselves 

A boat, so rough and rude, 



10 



IN RHYME 

A storm soon wrecked their vessel, 

Starvation seemed their fate, 
Until, one of their company 

The others killed and ate. 
They were sighted by a vessel, 

And rescued by the crew. 
And ended thus, the colony 

Of fifteen sixty-two. 

LOUDONNIER 

Loudonnier a fort then built, 

A colony brought o'er. 
It was on the St. John's river. 

In fifteen sixty-four. 
But starvation soon assailed them; 

Their sufferings were great. 
For they lived on roots and sorrell, 

And even snakes they ate. 

They were on the point of leaving, 

When Jean Ribaut appeared 
With food and reinforcements; 

To starve, no more they feared. 
But the Spanish claimed the country. 

And said the French must go. 
For De Leon, remember, had 

Discovered it — and so 

Menendez went marching northward, 

With rage his heart was filled. 
He attacked Fort Carolina, 

And all the people killed. 
The French then journeyed to the north. 

The country to explore; 
The Peninsula of Florida 

They tried to claim no more. 



11 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 



CHAMPLAIN 

Champlain crossed the Atlantic, in 

Two barks of smallest kind, 
And ascended the St. Lawrence 

To see what he could find. 
The Indian town had vanished. 

And not a trace was found 
Of the savage population, 

Cartier saw scattered round. 
Champlain was captivated, by 

The beauties everywhere, 
The Catholic faith and rule of France 

He wanted planted there. 

De Monts received from France a grant 

Of all the land, that lay 
Between what's Philadelphia 

And Montreal today. 
This tract he named Arcadia; 

And then to make it thrive. 
The founding of Port Royal laid. 

In sixteen hundred five. 
This was the first French settlement. 

To permanently stay 
On this side of the Atlantic; 

From France so far away. 

Then Champlain to this country 

Returned in sixteen-eight, 
A trading post at Quebec, he 

Established at that date. 
And next summer with the natives. 

To central New York came; 
A lovely lake discovered there, 

That since has borne his name. 



12 



IN RHYME 

The rule of his own country, he 

Determined to advance. 
And this is why they called him, 

" The Father of New France." 

MISSIONARIES 

The Jesuit missionaries — 

The savage soul to save — 
Here labored in the wilderness, 

Their lives they freely gave. 
Established many a mission; 

Were patient, brave and grand; 
And murdered by the Indians, 

Were many of their band. 

Father Marquette, from the natives, 
Heard of a river long 

Called the " Father of the Waters," 
And his desire was strong 

To explore the mighty river. 
And in a bark canoe 

Down the Wisconsin river went; 
The Mississippi, too. 

He traveled towards the sunny south- 
Its radiance to see — 

To the mouth of the Arkansas, 
In sixteen seventy-three. 

La Salle, who loved adventure. 

To travel to and fro, 
A trading post established 

On Lake Ontario. 
In sixteen hundred eighty-two, 

He journeyed to the south. 
And reached the Gulf of Mexico, 

And Mississippi's mouth. 



13 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 

The beauties of the country made 

His heart with rapture sing; 
And he named it Louisiana, 

In honor of his king. 

ENGLISH EXPLORATIONS 

We have seen how the Cabots, exploring round, 
Sailed from cold Labrador to Albemarle Sound. 
Discovered the continent lying asleep, 
Like a giant determined its secret to keep. 
From this expedition Old England had claimed, 
The part of the continent Cabot had named. 

In fifteen seventy-six an attempt once more, 
The new route to find to Asia's east shore 
Was made by Frobisher, who threaded his way 
Through perilous icebergs and reached Baffin Bay. 
Here a large pile of rocks he heaped up like a dome. 
Claimed the country for England and returned home. 

SIR FRANCIS DRAKE 

Sir Francis Drake was a sailor, 

Who often crossed the sea. 
On one of his journeys to Panama, 

Sir Francis climbed a tree; 
And there from his seat so lofty. 

Looked out on the expanse 
Of the Pacific Ocean blue; 

And longing filled his glance. 
And there he vowed, " An English ship 

I'll sail upon those seas." 
In England a squadron he equipped, 

Was soon before the breeze. 



14 



IN RHYME 

Through the Strait of Magellan sailed. 
And northward through the foam; 

He turned south at Oregon's coast. 
And by Good Hope went home. 

Sir Humphrey Gilbert, Menendez-like, thought 

To settle the country the wisest plan. 
His schemes for a colony ended in naught, 

Although so wisely and bravely began. 
Sailing home in a weak little ten-ton bark, 

In the midst of a terrible storm on the main; 
The light of his poor little vessel went dark, 

Nor crew nor vessel was seen again. 

And Sir Walter Raleigh's views were the same. 

That his half-brother, Gilbert, had cherished: 
To found a colony in England's name, 

(And in the attempting had perished). 
A favorite of Queen Elizabeth, 

He was courageous, learned, gay, and admired. 
So to Elizabeth he made his plea, 

And a grant of land soon had acquired. 

Thinking to settle the land which she gave 

(The land that his fancy painted so green). 
Like a gentleman, gallant as well as brave, 

Named it Virginia,* to honor his queen. 
Some colonists sent out to till the soil, 

Upon Roanoke Island were landed. 
They hitnted for gold and refused to toil, 

And this colony soon was disbanded. 

From life 'mong the Indians, they had learned. 

The habit of " tobacco drinking," 
Therefore, when to England they had returned, 

The vile weed introduced, without thinking 



*=Elizabeth the Virgin Queen. 

15 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 

That soon o'er the earth the habit would spread; 

Soon would master the " lords of creation." 
Though centuries since have passed o'er its head, 

It remains yet a curse of the nation. 

Though Raleigh had failed, he determined to stay, 

And the second time started a city; 
Named the place Raleigh, on Chesapeake Bay, 

And the fate of this town was a pity. 
Governor White was in England detained, 

When he went some supplies to procure; 
By this detention, three years he remained, 

Still was thinking the place quite secure. 

After three years to the country he came, 

And he thought that his people would meet him. 
All that remained of the place was a name. 

And no dear friends appeared for to greet him. 
Where they had vanished no white man could say, 

And the red man his secret was keeping. 
No one has told, nor can tell, to this day, 

Where the Chesapeake colony's sleeping. 



THE DUTCH 

No claims were made by Holland, 

Till Hudson crossed the brine. 
And entered New York harbor, 

In sixteen hundred nine. 
From this voyage of Hudson's, 

The Dutch then based a claim; 
And, of course. New Netherland 

They gave it for a name. 



16 



IN RHYME 



COLONIZATION— VIRGINIA 

Of colonies that were sent o'er 

By England to this new-found shore, 

Virginia was the first of all 

To stand alone and never fall. 

And yet her early history 

Was full of woe as it could be. 

The settlers were of little worth, 
Were mostly gentlemen by birth; 
Unused to toil of any kind, 
To making homes were not inclined. 
They came expecting rich to grow. 
And then to England they would go. 

Before six months could o'er them glide, 
About half of their number died. 
Then Captain Smith so wise and brave. 
Stepped in, the colony to save. 
He made them build some huts at last. 
To shield them from the winter blast. 

He taught them how the ax to swing. 
And make the woods with echoes ring. 
To raise their bread and hunt their meat; 
That those must work who wished to eat. 
The friendship of the Indians gained, 
And all went well while he remained. 

As Smith explored the country new, 
Adventures many he passed through. 
The Indians captured him one day, 
He greatly feared they would him slay. 
His pocket compass he displayed, 
To show that he was not afraid. 



17 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 

A letter written to his friends, 
He, by an Indian runner, sends; 
And when they saw the letter told 
The peril of this man so bold. 
Great wonder filled the warriors grim, 
And with respect they treated him. 

Condemned to die by Powhatan, 
The huge war-club the task began. 
When swiftly came to his relief. 
The daughter of the Indian chief. 
Small Pocahontas* earnest plea 
Was granted and they set him free. 



PROGRESS OF THE COLONY 

A second charter was now obtained — 
The people no advantage gained — 
The local council was dissolved, 
A governor's rule was now resolved. 
In sixteen nine this change was made, 
In London, where the company stayed. 

Now Captain Smith was wounded sore; 

To England he must go once more. 

And after he had gone away, 

The colonists became the prey 

Of famine and disease again. 

For they themselves could not maintain. 

Some were by cruel Indians killed; 
And all with dread and grief were filled, 
And some in their extreme despair. 
Had seized a ship and pirates were. 
And that sad winter cold and lone, 
Long as the " Starving Time " was known. 



18 



IN RHYME 

Six months of suffering and woe. 
Had left but sixty souls, and so, 
Remembering naught but misery, 
They from the wretched place would flee. 
So one fair morning forth they hied, 
And slowly drifted with the tide. 

But far from home they failed to get. 
For soon Lord Delaware they met. 
He was their governor to be. 
And loaded with supplies was he. 
They returned to the place and then, 
They took their burdens up again. 
The wilderness with courage braved. 
And Jamestown colony was saved. 

Up to this time the colony, 
A failure sad was thought to be. 
And so the King the charter changed; 
The government was now arranged. 
That those who owned might oversee 
The business of the colony. 

The Indian girl who saved the life 
Of Captain Smith, became a wife. 
John Rolfe, an English planter lone. 
Had won the maiden for his own. 
In a small church of rough-hewn wood. 
She was baptized for her soul's good; 
In broken English stammered through. 
The marriage vows which she held true. 

John Rolfe to London took his bride. 
Was proud to travel by her side. 
" Lady Rebecca's " winning grace, 
Her childlike air, and pretty face 
Delighted those she chanced to meet, 
And all pronounced her good and sweet. 



19 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 

Soon to depart from London and, 
Returning to her native land, 
Quite suddenly she died and left 
Her husband and small son bereft. 



FIRST COLONIAL ASSEMBLY 

In order that the colonist 

At making laws might now assist, 

In sixteen hundred and nineteen, 

First legislative body seen 

In North America, as yet, 

By Governor Yeardly's order met. 

But still their laws must sanctioned be, 
By the great London Company. 
And London laws could not succeed, 
Unless the colonists agreed. 
'Twas written down in twenty-one 
Thus Jamestown's liberty begun. 

The famine troubles now were past. 

Prosperity had come at last. 

In working they had changed the plan. 

A field was given to each man. 

And each man tilled it as he chose. 

And bought his living and his clothes. 

The people gave up hunting gold. 
Tobacco, now, they raised and sold. 
Large settlements were made and grew, 
Far-spreading where the land was new. 
The land unto the planter bold. 
Begun its riches to unfold. 



20 



IN RHYME 

Now that each colonist might make 
And keep a home, for home's dear sake, 
About this time strange freight arrives: 
Young women who were sold as wives. 
The price accepted we are told, 
Tobacco was instead of gold. 

A captain of a trading ship, 
Next to Virginia made a trip 
With twenty negroes whom he sold 
To people there as slaves to hold. 
The sad beginning of that strife, 
Which cost the country many a life. 

After the death of Powhatan, 

The Indians had formed a plan 

The population all to slay. 

And drive the white man far away. 

But they so kind and friendly seemed. 

Of their dark plotting no one dreamed. 

In one short day, ah! sad to tell, 
More than three hundred people fell. 
Of men and women, children small. 
The savages killed one and all. 
But for a friendly Indian's aid, 
Jamestown in ruins had been laid. 

Then following this massacre 
A war ensued; the Indians were 
So sorely punished that their fears 
Had kept them quiet twenty years. 
When they five hundred people felled, 
And from that region were expelled. 



21 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 

In sixteen hundred twenty-four, 

The government was changed once more. 

Because the London Company 

Had almost made the people free, 

King James their charter took away. 

Which caused the settlers much dismay. 

And after six and thirty years, 
There came anxiety and fears. 
The British Parliament in fact, 
Enforced the Navigation Act. 
Their commerce all must carried be 
In English ships across the sea. 

Besides their own assembly held, 
Some royalists by greed impelled; 
Who unjust taxes on them laid, 
Which they, with many a murmur, paid. 
And these proud men were not retired, 
When their official terms expired. 

The people must their wages pay, 
At rate of dollars nine per day. 
The right to vote they held for those 
Freeholders, who the leaders chose. 
And on the Quakers placed fine. 
For absence from the church divine. 

And now two parties you will see. 

Grew up within the colony. 

One, of the officers so grand. 

And planters rich, who owned the land. 

The other, of the people plain. 

Who strove their honest rights to gain. 



22 



IN RHYME 

In seventy-six the crisis came, 

Which caused the colony much shame. 

In an attack by Indians made, 

The governor refused his aid, 

And for defense failed to provide, 

For settlers scattered far and wide. 

Nathaniel Bacon rallied out 
A company with many a shout. 
He caused the Indians defeat 
And turned the governor to meet. 
For, " Hang the rebel," was the cry. 
And he must either fight or die. 

And Berkley soon was put to rout, 
From Jamestown village driven out. 
The torch was to the town applied. 
But at this point the leader died. 
Upon the rest of Bacon's band, 
Most heavily fell Berkley's hand. 



MASSACHUSETTS 

The Plymouth Company had tried 

The country to explore. 
And Captain Smith, of Jamestown fame, 

Examined all the shore. 
He started at Penobscot 

And to Cape Cod he came; 
A map drew of the country, 

New England, called its name. 

The company stirred to action, 

A patent, new, obtained. 
In sixteen hundred and twenty 

They all the country gained 



23 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 

Between the two great oceans, 
They governed everything. 

But New England first was settled 
Without consent of king. 

THE PILGRIMS 

One stormy day in autumn — 

Sixteen twenty the year — 
A small ship came to anchor, 

In Cape Cod harbor drear. 
It bore one hundred pilgrims. 

The Mayflower was its name. 
'Twas for religious freedom 

Those sturdy pilgrims came. 

They gathered in the cabin; 

A compact drew and signed. 
In which they every one agreed 

On laws both just and kind; 
Sent an exploring party. 

Who found the place to land. 
On December twenty-first, 

Upon old Plymouth's sand. 

And then the Pilgrims landed. 

Mid storm of snow and sleet, 
And built their huts, preparing 

The winter's cold to meet. 
These men were sober-minded, 

And they were just and true, 
And what they thought their duty 

They were most sure to do. 

But during that stern winter 
Contagion through them spread, 

And sorrow's hand lay heavy 
Upon each patient head. 



24 



IN RHYME 

One by one was laid away, 

Till only half survived; 
Yet no one thought of going 

When the balmy spring arrived. 

One day in early springtime 

A stranger's voice they heard, 
A dark man calling " welcome," 

The Indian's friendly word. 
The chieftain came to see them 

And quieted their fears. 
The treaty made with Massasoit 

Lasted for fifty years. 

Another chief once sent them the 

Skin of a rattlesnake. 
Wrapped round some deadly arrows, 

And thought with fear they'd quake. 
The governor kept the arrows 

Returning in their stead 
The snakeskin overflowing 

With powder and with lead. 

The progress of this colony 

At first was very slow; 
The harvest failed to yield enough 

To last through frost and snow. 
And the winter of the famine, 

The best and only dish 
They could set before their friends, 

Was just a bit of fish. 

Yet Elder Brewster always 
Gave thanks with lifted hands. 

To God, who gave them " treasures 
From both the sea and sands." 



25 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 

And when four years of hardship 
Had passed since they came o'er, 

Their little band but numbered 
One hundred eighty-four. 

The plan to work in common 

Had failed, as in the past 
It failed to work at Jamestown; 

They gave it up at last. 
Land was assigned to each one; 

Abundance followed sure. 
And no more destitution 

The people must endure. 

They never had a charter, 

Their own laws always made; 
Elected their own governor. 

And were of none afraid. 
This colony united. 

In sixteen ninety-two. 
With Massachusetts Bay, and then 

Their government was new. 

MASSACHUSETTS BAY COLONY 

John Endicott, and other men, 

A grant of land obtained. 
And in sixteen and twenty-eight 

A royal charter gained. 
This gave them the authority 

All of the laws to make. 
These rights they afterwards allowed 

The colonists to take. 

This measure was so popular 

That many came to dwell 
In the new land of liberty, 

And loved the country well. 



26 



IN RHYME 

Some gathered round the governor 
At Salem and Charlestown; 

Some colonized at Dorchester, 
Or at Boston settled down. 

The Massachusetts Bay people 

Were Puritans at home; 
Their own church to establish here 

Was why they crossed the foam. 
They were established, now, and were 

Unwilling to receive 
The ones who in religion. 

Could not with them believe. 

And often back to England sent 

Those who persisted in 
The forms of other churches. 

And thought it was no sin. 
And when they were attending to 

Affairs of civil note, 
None but their own church members 

Were allowed to vote. 

An eloquent young minister, 

Named Roger Williams, thought 
That each should worship as he chose; 

And this he preached, and taught. 
That each one should responsible 

To his own conscience be, 
That God alone should judge him, and 

Religion should be free. 

So the magistrates and clergy 

Looked on him with alarm. 
They greatly feared his rash belief 

The colony would harm. 



27 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 

In seventeen hundred thirty-six 

They ordered he should be 
To England sent, to save the peace 

Of the young colony. 

It was in the depth of winter. 

Yet Roger Williams fled, 
And found among the Indians 

A shelter and a bed. 
And the Narragansett Sachem 

Gave him some land, to found 
A settlement, where he might live 

And friends might gather round. 

Another controversy loud 

Was raised that very year, 
By Mrs. Anne Hutchinson, 

That made the clergy fear. 
Favored of God she claimed to be, 

And taught her creed each day. 
Till the clergy lost their patience 

And banished her away. 

And after twenty years had passed 

Since Roger Williams' day, 
The Quakers caused fresh trouble 

By their peculiar way. 
They were fined, whipped and imprisoned. 

And sternly sent away. 
But they as constantly returned, 

Determined they would stay, 
But when four were executed. 

The others were released; 
For the people now relented. 

And persecution ceased. 



28 



IN RHYME 

A union of the colonies 

Of Massachusetts Bay 
With Plymouth, and New Haven, and 

Connecticut, one day 
In sixteen forty-three was made, 

Which was a famous plan. 
The object was protection 

Against the wild red man. 

During the life of Massasoit, 

Plymouth great peace enjoyed; 
But after his death. King Philip 

His evil mind employed 
In schemes to drive the hated whites 

Away to other lands; 
And a confederation formed 

Of all the Indian bands. 

The quiet people of Swansea 

Were first to fall his prey, 
As they were going home from church 

Upon a Sabbath day. 
In sixteen hundred seventy-five 

The fourth day of July; 
The settlers quickly seized their arms 

And make King Philip fly. 

Far up the pleasant valley, where 

Connecticut doth flow. 
The pious folk of Hadley town, 

At prayer were bending low; 
When the loud and savage war-whoop 

O'er woods and village rang. 
The men all seized their muskets, 

And to defense they sprang. 



29 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 

They bravely formed in battle line, 

The foe was everywhere; 
The hearts that beat within their breasts, 

Were turning to despair, 
When there appeared among their ranks 

A patriarch old and white; 
Words of command he shouted, loud, 

And plunged into the fight. 

The enemy was driven forth, 

The settlement was saved; 
The people turned to thank the one 

Who had the danger braved. 
He quietly had disappeared 

And no one saw him go; 
They thought it was an angel, sent 

To save them from the foe. 

It was the aged regicide 

Who from King Charles had fled. 
And wandered long among the hills, 

A price upon his head. 
With the good Hadley minister 

A refuge he had found. 
And ventured forth to save the lives 

Of all the people round. 

The settlers, terror stricken, were 

More watchful than before. 
They carried arms with them to church 

And stacked them at the door. 
The Narragansetts were inclined 

To join with Philip's throng, 
So they collected in a swamp. 

And fortified it strong. 



30 



IN RHYME 

The white men were determined now 

The Indians to subdue; 
They burned their food and wigwams, and 

A thousand warriors slew. 
Poor King Philip, broken hearted, 

Searched for some place to hide; 
And from a faithless Indian's hand, 

The beaten warrior died. 

NEW ENGLAND A ROYAL PROVINCE 

The unjust Navigation Act, 

As we have seen before; 
So oppressive in Virginia, 

Hurt Massachusetts more. 
A thriving commerce she possessed. 

And so would not agree 
To close her trade with other lands 

In spite of this decree. 

But in the English parliament 

The royalists all thought 
The independent colonists 

A lesson should be taught. 
The colonists stood for their rights 

As they their duty saw. 
And they resisted officers 

Who would enforce the law. 

And so their charter was annulled 

In sixteen eighty-four, 
And King Charles sent a governor 

To rule, in two years more. 
Sir Edmund Andros ruled them 

All with a heavy hand, 
And his unjust oppression 

Was felt throughout the land. 



31 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 

The colonists strove for their rights 

Three years without avail; 
And then seized their royal master, 

And threw him into jail. 
Then quietly resumed again 

Their own old government, 
Which also lasted for three years. 

When William Phipps was sent 
For Massachusetts' governor. 

And so New England stayed 
A royal province until this 

Was a free country made. 

Now at Salem, Massachusetts, 

In sixteen ninety-two, 
A very strange delusion 

Swept the country through. 
'Twas known as the Salem witchcraft. 

And ere its knell was rung, 
There were fifty people tortured, 

And twenty people hung. 

The children of a minister 

Strange pranks began to play; 
The people thought they were bewitched. 

And searched both night and day 
The guilty person for to find, 

And quench the thing in time; 
They flogged an Indian servant 

Till she confessed the crime. 

And soon others were affected 

The horrid mania spread; 
To express a doubt of witchcraft. 

Brought doom upon your head. 
Then committees were appointed; 

Courts of trial set about 
To convict the guilty witches, 

And stamp the evil out. 



32 



IN RHYME 

High and low alike were punished; 

Even the governor's wife 
At one time was suspected, and 

In peril of her life. 
At last the people wakened, 

And their folly they could see; 
So they stopped the cruel torture 

And repented bitterly. 

MAINE AND NEW HAMPSHIRE 

About sixteen and twenty-two 

Another enterprise 
By Gorges and Mason had begun, 

Which we will not despise. 
From the Council for New England 

A grant of land they gained. 
And near Portsmouth, and at Dover, 

Fishing stations they maintained. 

This patent afterwards dissolved; 

The country lying west 
Of the Piscataqua Mason took, 

And Gorges took the rest. 
Mason's part was called New Hampshire, 

And Maine was Gorges' land; 
But Massachusetts bought it from 

His heirs we understand. 

Maine was joined with Massachusetts, 

Until about the year 
Of eighteen hundred twenty. And 

New Hampshire, lying near, 
Her small and feeble settlements. 

Three times for sake of peace, 
She joined with Massachusetts 

And as often asked release. 



33 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 

And New Hampshire finally 

From seventeen forty-one 
Remained a royal province 

Till liberty begun. 

CONNECTICUT 

In sixteen hundred thirty-one, 

Lord Say-and-Seal, Lord Brook, 
And others, a transfer of land 

From Earl of Warwick took. 
The valley where Connecticut, 

Her sparkling waters whirl. 
Which the Council for New England 

Had given to the Earl. 

But the Dutch had claimed the country 

Before the English came; 
They had built a fort at Hartford, 

And occupied the same. 
They stopped some English traders, who 

Were up country bound; 
With threats to fire upon them 

If they would not turn round. 

But the English soon established 

Fort Windsor, without fear. 
On these rich lands, many people 

From Boston settled near. 
And John Steele, in the autumn 

Of sixteen thirty-five. 
The foundation of Oxford laid 

And made the city thrive. 

And the next year Thomas Hooker, 

A pastor, and his band. 
Came toiling through the wilderness 

To settle on this land. 



34 



IN RHYME 

Winthrop, meanwhile, had built a fort 
To stop the Dutch, and then 

Saybrook, he named his colony 
To honor both these men. 

The colonists had scarce begun 

Their new homes to enjoy, 
Before war with the Indians 

Came, their peace to destroy. 
The Pequod Indians tried, hard, 

The Narragansetts to 
Persuade, to join them in a war. 

The white man to subdue. 

When Roger Williams heard of this. 

To see what he could do, 
He for the Indian village 

Set out in his canoe. 
Though the sky was dark and stormy 

His goal was reached that night, 
And the Narragansett chieftain 

Refused to join the fight. 

So the Pequods lost their ally, 

And were forced to fight alone; 
They murdered thirty settlers 

Before the war was done. 
Captain Mason, in their stronghold 

To attack them now resolved; 
It was on the Mystic river 

And caution it involved. 

He approached the fort at daybreak 

Upon the fifth of June; 
The sentinel awakened, and 

"Owanux"! shouted soon. 



35 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 

But the English were upon them 

Within the palisade; 
The Indians, rallying to their arms, 

A fierce resistance made. 

And then among the wigwams 

A huge fire-brand was hurled, 
And soon all through the village 

The raging flames were whirled. 
Nor had the Englishmen, themselves, 

Scare time to get away. 
The Pequod tribe was hunted down, 

And perished in a day. 

NEW HAVEN COLONY 

New Haven Colony was formed 

In sixteen thirty-eight. 
By wealthy London families, 

Who thought to speculate. 
They took the Bible for the law — 

This colony so odd — 
And gave the vote to only those 

Who joined the church of God. 

The Connecticut Colony 

A constitution wrote, 
And this agreed to give all 

Free men, the right to vote. 
This the first time in history 

A constitution, framed 
By the people, for the people, 

Ever had been named. 

The Saybrook Colony, at first 

Was governed very well 
By the proprietors, till they 

Concluded they would sell. 



36 



IN RHYME 

So Saybrook Colony was sold 

And after this, became 
A part of the Connecticut, 

And had its laws the same. 

A royal charter was obtained 

In sixteen sixty-two, 
Uniting both these colonies. 

And everybody knew 
That though they changed the government, 

The charter guaranteed 
The rights on which the colonists 

Together had agreed. 

This was a precious document, 

And guarded with much care; 
It almost independence gave 

That every one might share. 
And now of all the colonies 

Established on this shore. 
This charter was the very best, 

Of any gone before. 

But twenty-five years after this 

Andros, the route came on, 
Where Hooker led his little flock 

Some fifty years agone. 
In scarlet and in gold, he came 

To the assembly hall 
At Hartford, and the charter 

Demanded of them all. 

Now this raised a great excitement, 

And caused a long debate; 
And this incident, tradition 

Loves dearly to relate. 



37 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 

That, as the people gathered round 

With sorrowful remark, 
Quite suddenly the lights went out 

And left them in the dark. 

When the candles were relighted, 

Mid exclamations loud, 
Captain Wadsworth and the charter 

Had vanished in the crowd. 
Wadsworth had seized the charter 

And through the crowd he broke, 
And hid it in the hollow of 

The famous Charter Oak. 

Andros pronounced the government 

By charter at an end; 
And they wrote " Finis " at the last 

Meeting they might attend. 
But when the governor was deposed 

The people brought, and cheered, 
The charter from its hiding place, 

And " Finis " disappeared. 

RHODE ISLAND 

In sixteen hundred thirty-six, 

Roger Williams founded 
Providence Plantation, and 

Was by his friends surrounded. 
Soon other exiles followed him 

From Massachusetts Bay; 
Among them Mrs. Hutchinson, 

She, who was sent away. 

A party of them purchased the 

Island of Aquiday, 
And the Rhode Island Colony 

They formed without delay. 



38 



IN RHYME 

Refugees from every quarter 

Flocked here and freedom gained, 

And Roger Williams shared with them 
The land he had obtained. 

With the New England union 

These people would unite. 
But because they had no charter 

They were denied the right. 
Roger Williams went to England, 

Obtained a charter, and 
Had Providence Plantation joined 

With that of Rhode Island. 

On his return the people met, 

And on the laws agreed, 
And freedom of faith and worship 

To all they guaranteed. 
Made in sixteen forty-seven. 

The first laws to declare 
For full liberty of conscience 

Adopted anywhere. 
Now came a grant of all these lands, 



NEW YORK 

New York was first claimed by the Dutch 
Which they'd not settled very much, 
But up the river journeys made 
Just with the Indians to trade. 
To the West India Company's hands 
Now came a grant of all these lands, 
And settlements soon made a change 
At Amsterdam and Fort Orange. 



39 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 

And any person who should plant 

A colony upon this grant, 

Land from the Indians might buy 

And on the title might rely; 

It would be theirs till life was o'er 

And be their heirs' forever more. 

The proud owner of each estate, 

Was " Patroon of the Manor " great. 

New York four Dutch governors had 

And some were good and some were bad. 

Peter Stuyvesant was the last, 

Better than those whose terms were past. 

And New York's early history 

Was full of Indian butchery, 

Varied by quarrels, and by fights, 

With Swedes and English o'er their rights. 

Peter Stuyvesant, with great speed, 

Upon the boundary line agreed; 

Marched on the Swedes with courage grim, 

They quickly were subdued by him. 

Some English in this colony. 

Of Connecticut's laws so free, 

To their Dutch neighbors often talked, 

As by their side they sat or walked. 

So when a fleet to anchor came. 
And there demanded in the name 
Of the Duke of York; that the town 
The flag of Holland should pull down; 
Stout-hearted Peter plead in vain 
That his council would true remain. 

For they to fight were not inclined. 
And the surrender duly signed. 
And the reluctant Peter came, 
At last, to sadly sign his name. 



40 



IN RHYME 

In sixteen hundred sixty-four 
The English flag was floating o'er 
Manhattan Island, and the town 
Named New York, for the Duke's renown. 

The English rule the people slighted. 
Their fondest hopes were sadly blighted. 
Remonstrance 'gainst the English way 
Was by the hangman burned one day. 
So that, when after nine long years 
A Dutch fleet near the coast appears. 
The people quietly returned 
To their old rulers, whom they'd spurned. 

New York regained its name next year 
And thus the Dutch rule ended here. 
Andros, who, twelve years after, played 
The tyrant in New England, stayed 
Now in New York, its governor. 
But he was soon called back home, for 
He ruled so arbitrarily 
That he could not succeed you see. 

Being rid of their oppressor 
Under Dongan, his successor. 
Assemblies by the Duke were granted, 
And freedom's tiny seed was planted. 
It flourished for two years the same, 
And when the Duke of York became 
James the second, king at last. 
His promises were of the past. 

The printing presses took away. 
Assemblies stopped without delay, 
And to New England he annexed 
The place, which much the people vexed. 



41 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 

But when Andros was driven out 
From Boston in an utter rout, 
The terror of the times had spread, 
And Nicholson of New York fled. 

Supported by Democracy, 

Opposed by Aristocracy, 

One, Captain Leisler, took the chair. 

And ruled the colony with care. 

Till Governor Slaughter, without reason, 

Came and arrested him for treason. 

But Slaughter did not quite intend 

By murder, Leisler's life to end. 

But Leisler's foes a snare had laid. 

And at a dinner party made 

The governor drunk, and got his name 

Signed to the warrant, and before 

He sobered, Leisler was no more. 

Now, till the Revolution came, 

The people's struggles paved the way. 

To that eventful happy day. 

NEW JERSEY 

The present state of New Jersey 

Had with New Netherlands 
Belonged, until the colony 

Passed into English hands. 
The land that joined the Delaware 

And with the Hudson met. 
The Duke of York gave Berkeley 

And Sir George Carteret. 

Elizabethtown was started 

In sixteen sixty-four. 
New England gave some settlers. 

Long Island gave some more. 



42 



IN RHYME 

'Twas the first English settlement 

Within New Jersey state — 
The Dutch a post at Bergen had 

In sixteen ten and eight. 

Some Quakers bought Lord Berkeley's share 

West Jersey, was its name, 
They settled, and a colony 

Of Quakers it became. 
The rest belonged to Carteret, 

All for to have and hold, 
And after his death, East Jersey 

To William Penn was sold. 

Over the titles to these lands 

Many disputes arose. 
Till the proprietors grew tired 

Of bickering, and chose. 
At last, in seventeen hundred two, 

To lay their burden down; 
Transferred their rights of government 

Unto the English crown. 

And soon New Jersey and New York 

The two united were, 
With a separate assembly 

But with one governor. 
And thirty-six years after, at 

The people's earnest plea, 
A royal province, Jersey 

Was set apart to be. 

PENNSYLVANIA AND DELAWARE 

The Swedes first settled Delaware, 

And Pennsylvania, too. 
And they were conquered by the Dutch, 

But still their cities grew. 



43 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 

Long after Dutch and Swedish rule 
Had bowed to England's power. 

And Penn had bought his woodland 
All for the Quaker's dower. 

Now, good William Penn, the founder 

Of Pennsylvania, tried 
For his persecuted brethren 

A refuge to provide. 
From Charles the Second, he secured 

The country lying west 
Of the Delaware, to name it 

Sylvania thought it best. 

But to call it Pennsylvania, 

Was ordered by the king, 
So that to William's father, dead. 

Some honor it might bring. 
The Duke then added Delaware 

For William Penn to own; 
As the " three lower counties, on 

The Delaware " 'twas known. 

William Penn at once proceeded 

Many people to send here; 
Quite as many as two thousand 

Within a single year. 
At last he came across, himself, 

The country fair to view. 
And was received with great respect 

In sixteen eighty-two. 

Penn's City of Brotherly Love 
Was laid out the next year; 

And it was in the wilderness, 
The green home of the deer — 



44 



IN RHYME 

And yet within a single year 
One hundred homes it held, 

And soon into a city large, 
The Quaker town had swelled. 

Penn, from among the settlers, called 

(And anyone might heed) 
A legislative body, who 

Upon the laws agreed. 
The Great Law was a code which held 

That faith in Christ of old. 
Was all you need profess to vote, 

Or else an office hold. 

But also if believing in 

Almighty God he'd choose 
That no one should be molested 

In his religious views. 
They had been persecuted, and 

So now would not condemn, 
Or do to others, as the world 

Had always done to them. 

The greater part of all his power 

Penn to his people gave; 
His great ambition seemed to be 

Their liberty to save. 
He often said that if he knew 

Of anything to make 
Them happier than they were now, 

He'd give it for their sake. 

Penn's treaty with the Indians 

Romantic is to me; 
They met near Philadelphia 

Beneath a large elm tree; 



45 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 

He told them that they met upon 

The pathway of good will; 
Agreed to live like brothers all. 

And not each other kill. 

They'd live in love with William Penn, 

And with his children too, 
Long as the sun and moon should shine 

The red man would be true. 
This treaty was the only one 

At which no oath was spoken; 
It also was the only one 

By neither side e'er broken. 

William Penn returned to England 

In sixteen eighty-four. 
With his colony established 

Solid here forever more. 
And his kind and loving spirit 

Shines out, as we recall 
His parting words, he said: "Dear friends. 

My love salutes you all." 

Now Delaware remained until 

The Revolution came. 
Along with Pennsylvania, 

Their governor the same. 
In seventeen seventy-nine the state 

Bought from the heirs of Penn, 
For half a million dollars, 

The claims held by these men. 

MARYLAND 

Lord Baltimore, a Catholic, 

Was anxious to secure 
For his church friends a refuge, and 

Peace for them to insure. 



46 



IN RHYME 

Accordingly, he from King Charles 

A grant of land obtained, 
Which lay north of the Potomac, 

And his desire was gained. 

And the first settlement was made 

In sixteen thirty-four, 
By a brother of Lord Baltimore's, 

And people he brought o'er. 
It was at an Indian village. 

Near the Potomac's mouth; 
The place was called St. Marys, 

This city of the south. 

The charter was quite liberal, 

It freely gave to all 
Freemen, a voice in making laws. 

At an assembly call. 
The Toleration Act was passed 

In sixteen forty-nine. 
Christians might worship as they pleased, 

Or any faith decline. 

Then Clayborne, of Virginia, 

The seeds of strife would plant 
About the boundary line between 

Virginia and this grant. 
In Maryland two trading posts 

He had established, and 
Prepared now to defend them 

From all of Maryland. 

A bloody skirmish then ensued, 

Clayborne, in great distress. 
Was beaten, and to England went 

And pleaded for redress. 



47 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 

But the decision fully proved 
That Baltimore was right; 

Clayborne to Maryland returned 
Determined yet to fight. 

He raised a great rebellion and 

Drove Governor Calvert out, 
But Calvert soon an army raised 

And boldly turned about. 
The rebel, Clayborne, fled and so 

This ended the contest. 
The Protestants next gaining power, 

The colony distressed. 

A majority they had gained 

In the assembly hall, 
And then ungratefully they used 

This power over all. 
The Catholics were disfranchised, 

Deprived of every right; 
Declared to be outside the law 

And held their views by might. 

For years this civil war dragged on; 

In sixteen ninety-one 
The Catholics were defeated. 

And Calvert's rule was done. 
In seventeen hundred and fifteen 

The fourth Lord Baltimore 
Regained control; religious rights 

He hastened to restore. 

THE CAROLINAS 

Lord Clarendon in sixty-three — 

With other noblemen — 
From Charles the II had obtained 

A grant of land for them. 



48 



IN RHYME 

And they called it Carolina, 

In honor of the king; 
To this genial land of sunshine 

Did many people bring. 

At Albemarle a settlement 

Already had been laid 
By some people from Virginia, 

Who here their homes had made. 
One of their number, over them, 

As governor was set, 
And they were left in quiet. 

The old world to forget. 

English immigrants established 

Carteret Colony. 
In sixteen hundred seventy 

These people crossed the sea; 
They sailed into the waters 

That Ribaut had sailed o'er; 
Where the Fort of Carolina 

Was built so long before. 

They settled first on Ashley's bank 

But moved to the divine. 
Ancient groves, all covered 

With yellow jessamine. 
This was the site of Chai-leston, 

And proved a welcome home 
For the persecuted people 

Who, to the west might come. 

John Lock and Lord Shaftsbury, 

A form of government 
Prepared for Carolina, 

And this was their intent. 



49 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 

The wilderness in vast estates 

Was to divided be, 
With hereditary titles 

Of aristocracy. 

The Grand Model, this form was called, 

But it would never do; 
It was so bitterly opposed, 

At last the scheme fell through. 
This soil was never meant to such 

Vain titles ever give; 
The people came for liberty; 

As freemen they would live. 

The Carolinas always had 

Separate governors, 
But was one province with the same 

Men for proprietors. 
The people they were jealous. 

The proprietors were stern. 
The rents, the rates, the taxes. 

Were subjects of concern. 

Things went in this unsettled way 

Till seventeen twenty-nine, 
When the owners grew discouraged 

With all the strife and whine. 
They ceded to the English crown 

Their rights of government, 
And seven-eights of all the soil 

With this renouncement went. 

GEORGIA 

The year that Washington was born 

(In seventeen thirty-two) 
The thirteenth colony was planned 

Neath southern skies so blue. 



SO 



IN RHYME 

Now Georgia was not planned for gain, 

Nor for religion's sake, 
But for the poor and lowly 

A refuge they would make. 

James Oglethorpe conceived the plan; 

King George made it secure 
By giving him a tract of land 

Just to hold for the poor. 
He settled at Savannah, in 

Seventeen thirty-three. 
And with the Indians made peace 

By gifts of charity. 

And in England many people 

Their money freely gave, 
To help the enterprise along. 

And some poor debtor save. 
Other immigrants soon followed. 

To this land of the free, 
Who sought for religious freedom 

Or civil liberty. 

The trustees forbade the import 

Of any slaves or rum; 
Made other laws the people thought 

Were unjust or irksome. 
The trustees at last surrendered 

Their charter to the crown, 
And thus surrendered all their dreams 

Of honor and renown. 

KING WILLIAM'S WAR (1689-1697) 

England and France were having war. 

And so across the seas, 
The quarrel must be taken up 

Among their colonies. 



51 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 

The Indians of Canada 

Helped the French to fight; 

And to assist the English was 
The Iroquois' delight. 

Parties of French and Indians, 

On snowshoes coming down 
From Canada to fall upon 

Each unsuspecting town; 
Schenectady, defenseless, they 

Attacked at midnight dread, 
And tomahawked their victims 

As they dragged them from their bed 

But a few, half-clothed, escaping. 

Fled through the cold and snow 
Of that fearful night, to Albany, 

To tell the tale of woe. 
The colonists aroused, and they 

Two expeditions made; 
For their plans to take Port Royal 

And Canada were laid. 

The first was a success, but the 

Canadian attack 
Proved a failure, and the English 

From there were driven back. 
They fought each other for eight years. 

And wasted many a life; 
The treaty of Riswick ended 

This sad and useless strife. 

QUEEN ANNE'S WAR (1702-1713) 

And then they had Queen Anne's war 

From sympathy again, 
For England, now, war had declared 

Against both France and Spain. 



52 



IN RHYME 

It centered in New England, and 
The frontier was once more 

Abandoned, and the people fled 
For safety, as of yore. 

Carolina 'gainst the Spanish sent 

An expedition down 
To capture old St. Augustine, 

But failed to take the town. 
The English, soon Port Royal took 

But failed to take Quebec; 
The war at last was ended by 

The treaty of Utrecht. 



KING GEORGE'S WAR (1744-1748) 

Now war had broken out again, 

To show that might was right, 
Twixt France and England, and of course 

Their colonies must fight. 
The English captured Louisburg, 

Though hard the French did strive. 
Upon the seventeenth of June 

In seventeen forty-five. 

The treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle 

Ended the war and gave 
Back Louisburg, again, to France, 

Her honor dear to save. 
But failed to fix the boundaries 

Between the countries two; 
Thus left the little germ from which 

Another war soon grew. 



53 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 



FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR (1754-1763) 

From New Orleans to Quebec, 

The French possessions lay 
All along the Mississippi 

To Canada away. 
The English occupied a strip 

A thousand miles or so, 
Unto the French possessions, like 

A string unto a bow. 

And both nations claimed the country 

From the Alleghenies west, 
Near the Ohio river, and 

To hold it did their best. 
Each nation claimed the other one 

Encroached upon their land; 
The French established many posts 

With soldiers to command. 

The French broke up a British post 

Upon the Miami, 
And seized the English engineers 

Wherever they might be. 
And they a fort at Presque Isle built, 

And one Le Boeuf was called; 
And then built Fort Venango, which 

The colonists appalled. 

Dinwiddle, of Virginia, 

A message to them sent; 
'Twas carried by George Washington, 

Who through the forest went. 
He'd give the message to the ones 

Who did the forts command; 
It asked that they should be removed 

From the disputed land. 



54 



IN RHYME 

George Washington was anxious quite 

To be upon his way; 
When his credentials were received, 

Set out that very day. 
From Williamsburg to Erie Lake 

He passed in safety through; 
Found Fort Venango's officer 

Was loud and boastful, too. 

The officer at Fort Le Boeuf 

Was courteous and kind. 
But like a soldier tried and true, 

Refused to speak his mind. 
Said that he was under orders 

The which he must obey. 
France seemed determined she would keep 

The Englishmen away. 

Then Washington returned, again. 

To his Virginia home, 
A distance of four hundred miles 

Through perils he had come; 
Had braved the dangers of the wilds 

And dark and stormy sky; 
Escaped destruction by the floods, 

To bring St. Pierre's reply. 

Next year the French, awakening. 

Commenced the war again 
By driving off some traders, and 

Erecting Fort Duquesne. 
And soon among the blackened stumps 

The corn and barley grew 
On the present site of Pittsburgh, 

Between the rivers two. 



5S 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 

But in the meantime Colonel Frye 

Was sent to hold this land, 
And with him came George Washington, 

The second in command. 
Learning the French had beaten them 

The place to occupy, 
Washington led a party forth 

To see what they could spy. 

Jumonville among the rocks 

Was waiting for a chance, 
This daring party to attack 

And help the cause of France. 
At Washington's command to " fire " 

Jumonville was slain, 
(In seventeen hundred fifty-four) 

And opened the campaign. 

Upon the death of Colonel Frye, 

Washington took command; 
In a stockade at Great Meadows 

Collected all his band. 
He named it Fort Necessity 

Their need for it was great; 
Was by the French and Indians 

Forced to capitulate. 

The five objective points of war 

Were, first to take Duquesne, 
And second, get possession 

Of Louisburg again. 
Ticonderoga and Crown Point 

Was the third place to go; 
Then Niagara twixt Lake Erie 

And Lake Ontario. 



56 



IN RHYME 

And fifth, Quebec, the city old, 

Which, on St. Lawrence lay 
And the strongest fort of any, 

In all of Canada. 
The English strove to take these forts; 

The French to hold them tried, 
For possession of these strongholds 

Would soon the war decide. 

First expedition 'gainst Duquesne 

By General Braddock led, 
With Washington as aid-de-camp, 

Along the river sped. 
The drums were beating, and the flags 

Were flying proud and free; 
When from an ambush, Indians 

Appeared quite suddenly. 

Now General Braddock, haughtily. 

Had said, the Indians might 
Well frighten continental troop, 

Who knew not how to fight; 
But that the king's own regulars 

Would show them what was brave, 
They'd march in line and beat the drum; 

Their colors they would wave. 

When the dreadful warwhoop sounded, 

And spread terror on the breeze. 
The haughty British regulars 

Fired on the rocks and trees. 
But off into the forest rushed 

The continental troops, 
A fighting in true savage style, 

And giving savage whoops. 



57 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 

George Washington seemed everywhere, 

Though singled by his foes; 
Two horses under him went down; 

Four bullets pierced his clothes. 
Braddock was wounded and was borne 

From off the field so dread, 
Washington's troops were mostly slain, 

The regulars turned and fled. 

The second expedition, led 

In seventeen fifty-eight, 
By General Forbes, with Washington 

And troops from his own state. 
The general lost so much time 

In building roads, that he 
Resolved to give up the attempt, 

His council did agree. 

When Washington received some news, 

Which told how very weak 
Was the French garrison, he urged 

A victory they would seek. 
By Washington, with vigilance, 

The advance guard was led; 
At their approach the fort was fired. 

And all the Frenchmen fled. 
And as the flag of England waved 

The ruined ramparts o'er, 
This gateway of the west was named 

Pittsburgh, to change no more. 

ACADIA AND LOUISBURGH 

And scarcely had the war commenced 

When an attack was made 
Upon Acadia, and soon 

That country low was laid. 



58 



IN RHYME 

Forts at the head of Fundy's Bay- 
Bowed to their stern commands, 

The region from Penobscot east 
Fell into English hands. 

In fifty-seven an attack 

On Louisburg was planned. 
At Halifax an army lay 

Under Loudoun's command; 
But after he had drilled his troops 

Till summer days had flown, 
Gave up because the French fleet had 

One more ship than his own. 
Next year the place was captured, and 

Amherst and Wolfe so bold, 
Took possession of the Island 

The country for to hold. 

TICONDEROGA AND CROWN POINT 

In seventeen hundred fifty-five. 

Right near Lake George's head, 
The battle of Lake George was fought. 

By General Johnson led. 
Johnson, being slightly wounded. 

Went to his tent, and then 
General Lyman took command 

With his provincial men. 

He won the battle nearly lost, 

Received no praise or fame; 
Johnson received much money, and 

A title to his name. 
Johnson built Fort William Henry 

Near the battle-field, and then 
Dismissing the New England troops 

Went to his home again. 



59 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 



ATTACK ON TICONDEROGA 

It was on a Sunday morning, 

The day that all should rest; 
A thousand boats with soldiers filled 

Swept down Lake George's breast; 
'Mid the strains of martial music 

And flying flags so gay, 
To attack Ticonderoga, 

And drive the French away. 

The leader ordered an assault 

As soon as they were near, 
And while the losing battle raged 

Lay hiding in the rear. 
Ticonderoga and Crown Point 

In the ensuing year. 
Were both abandoned by the French, 

When Amherst did appear. 

NIAGARA 

About the time that Braddock tried 

And failed to take Duquesne; 
To capture Fort Niagara 

Shirley marched in vain. 
For when he had reached Oswego 

And learned of Braddock's shame. 
He built a fort and turned about, 

And straight back home he came. 

Niagara was left in peace 

Until four years had passed, 
When the French to General Peideaux 

Surrendered it at last. 
New York was now extended to 

Niagara river's side, 
And the disputed country west 

The English held with pride. 



60 



IN RHYME 



QUEBEC (1759) 

Before the city of Quebec, 

In seventeen fifty-nine, 
Wolfe anchored with eight thousand troops 

And fleet drawn up in line. 
The vigilant French general, 

Montcalm, with a command 
Which was quite equal to his own, 

Was there to guard the land. 

The English cannon easily 

Destroyed the lower town; 
The citadel, on higher ground. 

Their guns could not bring down. 
For miles along the river bank, 

At every landing place, 
The bristling cannon hung, and looked 

Defiance in his face. 

For months Wolfe lingered near the place. 

And he would not turn back, 
Looked vainly for some place where he 

The city might attack. 
As he examined with great care 

The bluff above the town. 
He discovered a narrow path 

From the hill top, leading down. 

And up this narrow pathway he 

Determined he would lead 
His army, and to do the thing, 

Began with utmost speed. 
They crossed the river in the night, 

And at the break of day, 
Upon the Plains of Abraham 

Stood ready for the fray. 



61 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 

Montcalm, astonished at this move, 

Could scarce believe his eyes. 
He quickly called his men to arms, 

To meet with the surprise. 
Wolfe's veterans held their fire until 

The French were close at hand, 
Then into them great volleys poured, 

From their strong battle stand. 

The enemy, soon wavering; 

Wolfe, himself, at the head; 
A dashing charge with bayonets 

He ordered and he led. 
And although he was twice wounded, 

Pushed onward without fear; 
A third ball struck him, and at last 

They took him to the rear. 
When someone shouted victory. 

As he away was led, 
" Now God be praised, I die happy," 

The sinking hero said. 

Montcalm was wounded fatally; 

When told that he must die. 
That in twelve hours his life would end. 

He made them this reply: 
" So much the better, I shall not 

The fall of Quebec see." 
And peace was made at Paris 

In seventeen sixty-three. 

To give to England all she asked 

In claims, France was compelled, 
Except two islands small that she 

As fishing stations held. 
To Spain she ceded New Orleans, 

And all the country west 
Of the Mississippi river 

She gave at Spain's request. 



62 



IN RHYME 



PONTIAC'S WAR 

The French had won the Indian's hearts; 

The EngHsh gained their hate; 
When they came to take possession 

The discontent was great. 
Pontiac, Philip-like, had formed, 

To obviate their woe, 
A great alliance of the tribes 

Against the common foe. 

Agreed that they at once upon 

Each British post would fall, 
Subdue the English, and themselves 

Be monarch over all. 
Eight posts, surprised, were captured thus 

And lost was many a life. 
Thousands of people from their homes 

Fled, to escape the knife. 

At last the Indians among 

Themselves could not agree; 
And the confederation they 

Deserted speedily. 
But Pontiac, still revengeful, 

Fled to another tribe. 
And at Cahokia was killed 

For a red liquor bribe. 

During this war the colonists 

Lost thirty thousand men, 
And spent much money which they thought 

Should be returned to them. 
From Indian barbarity 

Had suffered untold woe; 
At their taxes had not murmured. 

Or to war refused to go. 



63 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 

The colonists fought side by side, 

Aside their quarrels threw. 
So for themselves they learned to think, 

And independent grew. 
Democracy had taken root; 

They met the laws to make. 
Supplies were voted for themselves, 

And not for England's sake. 

Their rights they knew and dared maintain; 

Grew fond of liberty, 
And how their voted money went, 

Determined they would see. 
The treatment of the officers. 

From England, helped unite 
The colonists, and taught them how 

Together they must fight. 

Washington, Gates, Montgomery, 

In spite of British sneer; 
Stark, Arnold, Morgan, Putnam, all 

Received their training here. 
And when the proper time came round 

This training taught the way 
To fight the British regulars. 

And beat them in the fray. 

PROGRESS 

Now thirteen colonies were here. 

Each to the others lying near. 

The population yearly swelled 

Till they two million people held; 

And Philadelphia did stand 

The largest city in the land. 

And each state thought it right to hold 

Slaves, who were owned and bought and sold. 



64 



IN RHYME 

There were three forms of government. 
Each state with its own kind content. 
The charter government ruled three; 
It made the people nearly free. 
Three, the proprietary kind, 
The laws must suit the owner's mind. 
The rest were subject to the crown; 
Their laws from England handed down. 

Days of intolerance were past. 

Religious liberty at last 

Was sanctioned by each colony; 

Alike the people grew to be. 

But at that time abroad and here 

The laws were strict and quite severe. 

Of colleges there soon were many. 
And Harvard was the first of any; 
In sixteen thirty-six 'twas founded 
And by a village was surrounded. 
Commerce increased but it was most 
In smaller trade along the coast, 
And the oppressive English laws 
Restricting trade had been the cause. 



THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR 

Upon the progressive people this side 

England looked down in her arrogant pride; 

And so she intended to make and to keep 

Dependent, her colonies over the deep. 

To favor old England she drafted her laws; 

Was deaf when colonists pointed the flaws. 

The farmer to sell must on England rely 

And from that same country his goods he must buy. 



65 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 

All manufacturing England forbade; 
Iron works were denounced as nuisances sad. 
And e'en William Pitt, America's friend, 
Did not raise a hand this vile law to mend; 
He said that the colonists, for their own sake, 
Not even a nail for a horseshoe might make. 

The direct cause of the war that befell 

This country, when everything promised so well, 

England attempted to tax people here, 

Her recent expenses on fighting to clear. 

This measure the colonists vowed to resist. 

But obstinate England was bound to insist. 

To teach them a lesson, and make them afraid. 

Began by enforcing the laws against trade. 

By smuggling goods, the law had been parried, 
Now Writs of Assistance the officers carried; 
Thus an official might enter your door, 
Inspect all the goods in your house or your store; 
" Man's house is his castle," the colonists thought 
And resisted the search, as gentlemen ought. 
The matter was taken to Boston town, 
Where court was assembled, the law to lay down. 

The advocate-general, James Otis, cried, 
As he boldly came out on the people's side: 
" I'll oppose to my dying day," said he, 
"With all of the powers God has given me; 
All such instruments of slavery, and 
Of villainy upon the other hand." 
" Then and there," John Adams expounded, 
" The Revolution's trumpet was sounded." 

The Stamp Act, which ordered that stamps should be bought 
Of the government, and to this country brought, 
And put on all documents, pamphlets and such. 
Excited the colonists ever so much. 



66 



IN RHYME 

The houses of British officials were mobbed; 

Stamp agents resigned, and of stamps they were robbed; 

And people agreed that, to wear or to use. 

No manufacture from England they'd choose. 

Associations, the law to withstand. 
Sprung up and were joined upon every hand. 
The " Sons of Liberty," members were called, 
And they by no unjust laws were appalled. 
From nine of the colonies, delegates met 
At New York, to try their just rights to get; 
They framed a petition, addressed to the king, 
In hopes that it would some relief to them bring. 

The first of November, the day that the law 
Would go into effect, as everyone saw, 
Was as a day of mourning intended; 
Flags hung at half mast and business suspended. 
The Adamses, Henry, and James Otis, too, 
Patriots all of them, good men and true; 
They, by their speeches so stirring and grand. 
Roused up the people all over the land. 

The government now alarmed at the fact. 
In seventeen sixty-six repealed the Stamp Act; 
But still it declared its power to impose 
A tax to raise money, whenever it chose. 
And so, very soon, a new duty was laid 
On tea, glass, and paper; and a board of trade 
Established at Boston to gather the toll. 
And by the assembly was free from control. 

Anticipating some trouble, of course. 
Troops were sent over the law to enforce. 
The Mutiny Act said the colonists should 
Provide all the soldiers with shelter and food. 



67 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 

With just indignation the colonists burned, 
When of this attempt at coercion they learned. 
They thought to be taxed was injustice, pure; 
To feed their oppressors they would not endure. 

New York refused, and promptly was told 

Not to make any laws, or assemblies hold. 

Then Massachusetts a circular sent. 

To all of the others this document went. 

It urged for a union, their wrongs to redress; 

For in " union is strength," we all must confess. 

Parliament, to show its dissatisfaction, 

Ordered these men to rescind their action. 

Most all of the assemblies agreed, Parliament 
Had no right to tax them without their consent, 
And straightway were warned not to imitate 
The disobedience of the Bay State. 
As England considered Boston to be 
The seat of rebellion and mutiny, 
Two troops were sent by General Gage 
To camp in the town, and trouble assuage. 

They entered the city mid beating of drums. 

And marched through the streets as the conqueror comes. 

They camped on the common, and sentries put out. 

Who challenged the people as they walked about. 

And the fifth day of March* brought trouble and noise. 

The guards were insulted by some men and boys; 

The soldiers killed three citizens, and before 

The fight could be stopped they wounded eight more. 

The bells they were rung, excitement was rife, 
And people rushed in to join in the strife. 
And in the turmoil, a difficult thing 
Was to restore peace, and quiet to bring. 



*March 6, 1770 

68 



IN RHYME 

England, beginning the danger to see, 

Rescinded the taxes, except that on tea. 

And this tax on tea they meant to retain, 

To show that the principal they would maintain. 

Arrangements were made the tea to supply 

Cheaper than England's own people could buy; 

But this subterfuge the patriots enraged, 

In a war for principal they were engaged. 

At Charlestown the tea in damp cellars would lie, 

For no one would use it and no one would buy. 

The tea ships that to Philadelphia come. 

With those at New York, were promptly sent home. 

But the British officials would not allow 
The tea ships at Boston to turn about now. 
The patriots met at old Faneuil Hall 
And decided the tea should not land at all. 
So a party of Indians stole through the night. 
And boarded the ship, before it was light. 
Three hundred and forty-two chests of tea 
The Indians seized and threw into the sea, 
In seventeen hundred and seventy-three. 

Then to retaliate, England, enraged, 

Began by appointing General Gage 

As the governor of Massachusetts to be; 

To punish the people for their mutiny. 

The port of Boston was closed up at last, 

Business was stopped and distress followed fast. 

Virginia's assembly protested at this 

And by the governor it was dismissed. 

The people divided, two parties were formed. 
The Whigs and the Tories, to argument warmed. 
And every one repeated, 
With thrilling of the breath, 
The words of Patrick Henry, 
" Give me liberty or death." 

(59 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 

New soldiers called minute men, were agreed 
To always be ready in time of need. 
And then the idea sprouted and grew 
Of a union of all the colonies, too. 
Gage being alarmed, the town fortified, 
For Boston, remember, he now occupied; 
He made it quite safe, put sentinels round it, 

And seized upon powder wherever he found it. 
A rumor went round that ships had been firing 
On Boston, and in two days, without tiring. 
Thirty thousand men were upon their way 
To protect the city, and join in the fray; 
And only a spark was now needed for 
The slumbering hate to kindle to war. 



FIRST CONTINENTAL CONGRESS 

The fifth of September we must not ignore, 
In seventeen hundred and seventy-four, 
The first Continental Congress was held. 
And in men of influence it excelled. 
All of the colonies delegates sent, 
Excepting Georgia, from which no one went, 
But of independence few members as yet 
Had thought, when they at Philadelphia met. 

They voted, obedience was not due 

To recent acts put by Parliament through. 

Upheld Massachusetts in what she had done, 

And hoped she'd continue as she had begun. 

They issued a protest 'gainst England's intent 

To keep armies here without their consent; 

To have nothing to do with England agreed, 

And would not go to her for what they might need. 



70 



IN RHYME 



BATTLE OF LEXINGTON (April 19, 1775) 

Now somehow to Gage the knowledge had spread; 

The people at Concord stored powder and lead. 

So Smith and Pitcairn, with eight hundred men, 

Were sent to destroy it and return again. 

The patriots, anticipating harm. 

Sent messengers out to spread the alarm. 

And this is the reason we often hear 

Of the wonderful ride of Paul Revere. 

PAUL REVERE'S RIDE 

Listen, my children, and you shall hear 

Of the midnight ride of Paul Revere, 

On the eighteenth of April, in seventy-five; 

Hardly a man is now alive 

Who remembers that famous day and year. 

He said to his friend, " If the British march 
By land or sea from the town tonight. 
Hang a lantern aloft in the belfry arch 
Of the North Church tower as a signal light — 
One, if by land, and two, if by sea; 
And I on the opposite shore will be. 
Ready to ride and spread the alarm, 
Through every Middlesex village and farm. 
For the country-folk to be up and to arm." 

Then said he, " Good night," and with muffled oar 

Silently rowed to the Charlestown shore, 

Just as the moon rose over the bay. 

Where swinging wide at her moorings lay 

The Somerset, British man-of-war, 

A phantom ship, with each mast and spar 

Across the moon like a prison bar. 

And a huge black hulk, that was magnified 

By its own reflection in the tide. 



71 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 

Meanwhile, his friend, through alley and street, 
Wanders and watches with eager ears. 
Till in the silence around him he hears 
The muster of men at the barrack door, 
The sound of arms, and the tramp of feet. 
And the measured tread of the grenadiers, 
Marching down to their boats on the shore. 

Then he climbed to the tower of the church. 
Up the wooden stairs, with stealthy tread, 
To the belfry chamber overhead. 
And started the pigeons from their perch 
On the somber rafters, that round him made 
Masses of moving shapes of shade — 
Up the trembling ladder, steep and tall. 
To the highest window in the wall. 
Where he paused to listen, and look down 
A moment on the roofs of the town, 
And the moonlight flowing over all. 

Beneath, in the churchyard, lay the dead. 
In their night encampment on the hill, 
Wrapped in silence so deep and still 
That he could hear, like a sentinel's tread, 
The watchful night wind, as it went 
Creeping along from tent to tent. 
And seeming to whisper, " All is well!" 
A moment only he feels the spell 
Of the place and hour, and the secret dread 
Of the lonely belfry and the dead; 
For suddenly all his thoughts are bent 
On a shadowy something far away. 
Where the river widens to meet the bay — 
A line of black that bends and floats 
On the rising tide, like a bridge of boats. 



72 



IN RHYME 

Meanwhile, impatient to mount and ride, 
Booted and spurred, with a heavy stride 
On the opposite shore walked Paul Revere. 
Now he patted his horse's side, 
Now gazed at the landscape far and near, 
Then, impetuous, stamped the earth, 
And turned and tightened his saddle-girth; 
But mostly he watched with eager search 
The belfry tower of the Old North Church, 
As it rose above the graves on the hill. 
Lonely and spectral and somber and still; 
And lo! as he looks, on the belfry's height 
A glimmer, and then a gleam of light! 
He springs to the saddle, the bridle he turns. 
But lingers and gazes, till full on his sight 
A second lamp in the belfry burns. 

A hurry of hoofs in the village street, 

A shape in the moonlight, a bulk in the dark, 

And beneath, from the pebbles, in passing, a spark 

Struck out by a steed flying fearless and fleet. 

That was all! and yet through the gloom and the light. 

The fate of a nation was riding that night; 

And the spark struck out by that steed, in his flight. 

Kindled the land into flame with its heat. 

He has left the village, and mounted the steep, 
And beneath him, tranquil and broad and deep, 
Is the Mystic, meeting the ocean tides; 
And under the alders, that skirt its edge, 
Now soft on the sand, now loud on the ledge. 
Is heard the tramp of his steed as he rides. 

It was twelve by the village clock 

When he crossed the bridge into Medford town. 

He heard the crowing of the cock. 

And the barking of the farmer's dog. 

And felt the damp of the river fog, 

That rises after the sun goes down. 



73 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 

It was one by the village clock 

When he galloped into Lexington. 

He saw the gilded weathercock 

Swim in the moonlight as he passed, 

And the meeting house windows, blank and bare, 

Gaze at him with a spectral glare, 

As if they already stood aghast 

At the bloody work they would look upon. 

It was two by the village clock 

When he came to the bridge in Concord town. 

He heard the bleating of the flock, 

And the twitter of birds among the trees. 

And he felt the breath of the morning breeze 

Blowing over the meadows brown. 

And one was safe and asleep in his bed 

Who at the bridge would be first to fall. 

Who that day would be lying dead, 

Pierced by a British musket ball. 

You know the rest. In the books you have read 
How the British regulars fired and fled — 
How the farmers gave them ball for ball. 
From behind each fence and farm-yard wall, 
Chasing the red-coat down the lane, 
Then crossing the fields to emerge again 
Under the trees at the turn of the road. 
And only pausing to fire and load. 

So through the night rode Paul Revere; 

And so through the night went his cry of alarm 

To every Middlesex village and farm — 

A cry of defiance and not of fear, 

A voice in the darkness, a knock at the door. 

And a word that shall echo forevermore! 

For, borne on the night wind of the past, 

Through all our history, to the last, 



74 



IN RHYME 

In the hour of darkness and peril and need, 
The people will waken and listen to hear 
The hurrying hoofbeats of that steed, 
And the midnight message of Paul Revere. 



-Longfellow 



When the British came to Lexington, where 
A crowd had assembled on the village square, 
Pitcairn riding up, on his face a dark frown. 
Told them to disperse, and their arms to lay down. 
A skirmish — and seven Americans killed — 
And the first blood of the war had been spilled. 

The British pushed on, the stores were destroyed; 

But by gathering crowds they were much annoyed. 

Every man able to handle a gun 

Wanted revenge for what Pitcairn had done. 

So to the road they continued to flock. 

And from behind each fence, building and rock. 

From front, flank, and rear, so galling a fire 

Was poured, that the red coats made haste to retire. 

Did not reinforcements from Boston arrive 

None would have reached that city alive. 

As it was, by the time they reached Boston again 

The British had lost about three hundred men. 



The news that American blood had been spilled. 
With indignation the whole country filled. 
Patriots came from all sides, to enlist 
Their services, and the cause to assist. 
" Old Put," without changing his working clothes, 
Mounts on his horse and to Boston he goes. 
Rode steadily onward, nor stopped for the night, 
One hundred miles distant to join in the fight. 



75 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 

Soon building intrenchments were thousands of men, 
Determined in Boston the British to pen. 
Committees appointed to watch over all, 
And in an emergency troop they might call. 
And from Massachusetts to Georgia's green shore 
The royal governor's power was o'er. 



BATTLE OF BUNKER HILL 

When General Ward learned that the British, still 

Intended to fortify Bunker Hill; 

To anticipate them, and thus their plans blight, 

A crowd of men gathered at Cambridge one night, 

There Harvard's president offered a prayer, 

Placing the enterprise in the Lord's care. 

Then under Prescott they marched with a will 

To Charlestown Neck, but they changed to Breed's Hill. 

It was bright moonlight, and they were so near 

To Boston that they could distinctly hear 

The sentinel's " All's well," but no sound they made, 

That to the British their presence betrayed. 

At daylight the British were startled to see 

The redoubt constructed so hastily; 

Resolving to drive them away again, 

Howe crossed the river with three thousand men. 

The roofs and the steeples of Boston were black 
With spectators watching the fearful attack; 
The British slowly ascended the hill; 
The patriots behind their earthworks lay still. 
When the redcoats came within ten rods or nigher 
Colonel Prescott shouted for his men to "Fire!" 
Then whole platoons of the British lay dead, 
And the survivors for safety had fled. 



76 



IN RHYME 

Under the smoke of burning Charlestown 

They rallied, and charged, these men to bring down. 

Again by that deadly discharge they were met; 

Again they retreated some shelter to get. 

With reinforcements they charged up the hill; 

One volley smote them and then all was still. 

The patriots' ammunition gave out, 

The British soon clambered o'er the redoubt. 

The patriots gallantly stood on the field 

With their clubbed muskets, but soon had to yield. 

Although this first battle was lost, as you see, 

America saw it as a victory. 

For their untrained farmers had put to flight 

The trained British soldiers who knew how to fight. 

All felt encouraged at this early day. 

And they in the struggle for freedom would stay. 



CAPTURE OF TICONDEROGA (May 10) 

Allen and Arnold some volunteers take 

To Ticonderoga its capture to make. 

As Allen his men to the sally-port led, 

A sentinel snapped a gun at him and fled. 

Then to the commander making his way, 

In a voice of thunder Allen did say, 

For them to surrender, and when they asked "why? 

And by whose authority?" made this reply: 

" In the name of the Great Jehovah," said he, 
" And the Continental Congress' " authority. 
They laid down their arms without firing a gun; 
Delivered the fort to the conquering one. 
Ammunition and cannon, much needed just then. 
Fell into their hands without loss of men. 
And the Americans soon after at 
Crown Point, made a capture easy as that. 



n 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 

SECOND CONTINENTAL CONGRESS 

Now the Second Congress met that same day, 
At Philadelphia — the tenth day of May — 
Twenty thousand men they would raise for relief. 
With George Washington as commander-in-chief. 
Prepared a petition to King George, the third. 
Who refused to receive it, so we have heard. 
As all hope of peace was now left behind, 
The means for the war they must speedily find. 

At Cambridge, beneath that Old Spreading Elm, 

George Washington took the patriots' helm. 

He was tall, finely formed, with a noble air; 

As dignified man as you'd find anywhere. 

A coat of blue broadcloth and buff small-clothes that 

Set off his silk stockings and his cocked hat. 

When he wheeled his horse, and drew his sword, a loud 

And glad shout of joy went up from the crowd. 

George Washington was with trials encumbered; 
Fourteen thousand men the army then numbered; 
Ammunition was scarce, and when they began, 
There was not enough for nine rounds to the man. 
Some men were unfit for duty's hard call. 
And others were home-sick, and tired of it all. 
Washington labored their wants to assuage. 
And in the meantime in Boston kept Gage. 

EXPEDITION AGAINST CANADA 

Late in the summer a northern campaign, 
Montgomery led, by way of Champlain. 
They captured St. Johns, also Montreal, 
And then on the town of Quebec made a call. 
Arnold here joined him, with soldiers half-starved; 
Their road through the wilderness they had carved. 
United they were not one thousand strong, 
Yet they besieged Quebec, for three weeks long. 



78 



IN RHYME 

Then an attempt they decided to make, 
In a fierce snow storm, the city to take. 
By way of the river, blocks of ice lifting, 
Montgomery's men fought the snows drifting. 
As the general labored and his men cheered, 
Ahead in the snow a rude block house appeared; 
Montgomery charged it and soon was shot dead, 
And his followers grew disheartened and fled. 

Arnold approached to the city quite near; 

While fighting was wounded, and borne to the rear; 

His successor, Morgan, pressed on the attack. 

But could not go forward and could not go back, 

The odds were tremendous and hopeless his plight, 

And so he surrendered, and gave up the fight. 

The rest of the army behind mounds of snow, 

Blockaded the city till winter should go. 

But when reinforcements of British appeared. 

Were glad to escape, and for home they steered. 

EVACUATION OF BOSTON (March 17, 1776) 

Washington, to compel Howe to run or fight, 
Had Dorchester Heights fortified by night; 
At daylight the British were astonished sore. 
By seeing intrenchments in front of their door. 
A storm coming up, quick action delayed. 
And good use of the time the patriots made. 
General Howe, who was then in command. 
Remembered the lesson of Bunker Hill, and 
Decided to leave for fear of defeat. 
And he set sail with his army and fleet. 

George Washington entered Boston next day 

Amidst great rejoicings, the city was gay. 

The people of Boston for nearly a year. 

The enemy's insults had borne in their fear. 

Their homes had been pillaged, their churches profaned, 

And from the officials no help had they gained. 



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UNITED STATES HISTORY 

ATTACK ON FORT MOULTRIE (June 28) 

In front of Charleston an English fleet ran, 

To fire on Fort Moultrie they straightway began. 

So fearful an answer from Moultrie returned, 

That the English a dearly bought lesson learned; 

Clinton then tried to come up in the rear, 

But fire from the riflemen was too severe; 

The fleet was so shattered, for New York it sailed, 

And triumph, the patriots smiling hailed. 

They'd had an encounter, and won if you please 

Over the boasted " Mistress of the Seas." 

DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE 

During Congress it was moved 

By Richard Henry Lee 
That " The United Colonies 

Are, and ought to be. 
Free and independent states." 

And was seconded by 
John Adams, and it passed upon 

The second of July. 
But on the fourth day of July, 

In the committee's name. 
The glorious Declaration 

Of Independence came. 

CAMPAIGN NEAR NEW YORK 

Howe, leaving Boston, to Halifax went. 
But soon to New York his army was sent. 
Came also his brother. Admiral Howe, 
Reinforcements from England brought with him now. 
And General Clinton, from his defeat 
At Moultrie, came hither to join with the fleet. 
Thirty thousand strong, this army composed. 
Hoping at New York the war would be closed. 



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IN RHYME 

The patriots, divining Howe's plans, collect 
Their forces at New York, that town to protect. 
When gathered for battle, Washington's band 
Of men fit for duty was seven thousand. 
The British were landed on Long Island shore; 
The sea was behind them and Brooklyn before, 
Near Brooklyn was Putnam, eight thousand strong. 
The city of Brooklyn to keep from the throng. 

The British in three divisions appear, 

Two in the front and one in the rear. 

The patriots were gallantly fighting away. 

When firing behind them they heard with dismay. 

Attempted escape, but it was too late, 

So they surrendered, and bowed to their fate. 

And to the Americans great was the cost; 

Out of four thousand, one thousand were lost. 

Now, had Howe at Brooklyn his forces employed, 

The patriot army would have been destroyed; 

But, fortunately, he caused a delay 

For the fleets to arrive, and join in the fray. 

Helpless, the patriots lay waiting the fight, 
For two whole days, but on the second night 
A dense fog in Brooklyn made everything drear, 
While over in New York the weather was clear. 
At midnight, the patriots stole down to the tide, 
And soon they were safe on the New York side. 
When sunshine had driven the fog-clouds away, 
Howe was chagrined at the loss of his prey. 
Next the British army in New York alights 
To attack Washington on Harlem Heights. 

The front was too strong for Howe, it was clear, 
And so he moved round to come in at the rear. 
The Americans, then to White Plains withdrew. 
And here Howe came up and some of them slew. 



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UNITED STATES HISTORY 

In a fortified camp at North Castle next 
Washington went, and the British perplexed. 
Not daring attack, Howe left him and went 
To New York, and soon his Hessians he sent 
On a journey to take Fort Washington, 
And with success was the daring deed done. 

Washington next into New Jersey went, 

In order the British troops to prevent 

From marching 'gainst Philadelphia, when 

Cornwallis came after with six thousand men. 

And now for three weeks the British pursued 

The flying Americans over the road; 

Of bare-footed patriots, many were found, 

And their blood-stained foot-prints they left on the ground. 

The pursuing army was often in sight 
Of Washington's rear guard, to force on the fight. 
At last to the Delaware Washington came, 
Taking all of the boats, and crossing the same. 
Howe thought to wait till the river would freeze; 
Cross over and Philadelphia seize. 
Meanwhile, as he waited impatiently here. 
He quartered his troops in the villages near. 

Oh! this was a time of despondency deep! 
With no ray of hope the courage to keep; 
The patriot army, a handful of mere 
Ragged, disheartened fugitives appear. 
Many people of wealth went over to the 
Victorious side of the enemy. 
New York and Newport were held by the foe, 
And there Philadelphia seemed likely to go. 



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IN RHYME 

BATTLE OF TRENTON 

Thinking it was time to strike a daring blow, 
Washington one night in a storm of snow, 
Mid the drifting ice that threatened everywhere 
The soldiers boats to crush, crossed the Delaware. 
Twenty-four hundred men, picked were every one; 
It was Christmas night this daring deed was done. 
When they reached the shore they formed a battle line, 
Fell on the Hessians, and surprised them at their wine. 

Captured a thousand men, and their leader slew. 

And safely back to their own camp they flew. 

With but four men lost, two frozen, and two killed. 

When the news went forth, with joy the country thrilled. 

Patriotism's fire was kindled once again, 

New recruits enlisted, old ones would remain. 

And as Cornwallis was going far away. 

Howe, being quite alarmed, called for him to stay. 

BATTLE OF PRINCETON 

Washington soon crossed the Delaware again. 
Took post at Trenton but did not long remain. 
Just before sunset the first of the year. 
Before Trenton post did Cornwallis appear. 
His first charge was repulsed, and as it was late 
He decided until the morning to wait. 
Now Washington was in a critical place. 
With a powerful army in front of his face. 

Behind him a river of floating ice raged, 

But Washington was not the man to be caged; 

Leaving his camp fires, the foe to deceive, 

That evening from Trenton he took his leave. 

He swept round the British to Princeton that night. 

Assaulted the troops, and put them to flight. 

Took over two hundred prisoners, too. 

And to Morristown Heights in safety came through. 



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UNITED STATES HISTORY 

Cornwallis heard firing, and rushed to relieve, 

But that which had happened he scarce could believe. 

He had come too late to assist in the fray; 

The victory was gained, and the victors away. 

These exploits of Washington, praise for him won, 

He had saved his country by what he had done. 

And Frederick the Great, of Prussia, declared 

That these achievements, with others compared. 

During six weeks after Christmas had flown. 

Were the most brilliant that ever was known. 

In New York next summer nothing was done 
By Howe, who was watched by George Washington. 
Finally Howe took the field, that he might 
Maneuver to force the patriots to fight. 
The " American Fabius " he soon found 
Too wary for him, and so he turned round; 
Eighteen thousand men he embarked on a fleet. 
Sailing south, where Washington hastened to meet. 

The patriot army numbered in all 

Eleven thousand to answer roll call. 

When Washington learned that Howe had arrived 

In Chesapeake Bay, he resolved he would strive 

To keep Philadelphia out of Howe's hand. 

And hazard a battle with his little band. 

BRANDYWINE 

Washington's troops, at Chad's ford took their stand, 
Ready whenever the British would land. 
Howe's army came up and attacked him here; 
Meanwhile Cornwallis stole round to the rear. 
There was Sullivan, Stirling, La Fayette, Wayne, 
\J And Count Pulaski, all toiling in vain. 

The patriots were routed, the city went down, 
And the British stopped there and at Germantown. 



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IN RHYME 



BATTLE OF GERMANTOWN (October 4) 

'Twas but a few weeks after Howe settled down, 
When on them came Washington, at Germantown. 
He had marched in the night to make a surprise, 
And came on the troops at the hour of sunrise. 
Successful, at first, but some British at bay 
Defending a stone-house, caused a delay. 
The fog was so thick they could not see through, 
And the troops could not keep each other in view. 

The enemy's confusion they could not see, 

And so they retreated, just at victory. 

The American forts on the Dealware, now 

Were bombarded, and forced to surrender to Howe. 

And for winter quarters Washington went 

To Valley Forge, and the winter there spent. 

BURGOYNE'S INVASION 

Though in Pennsylvania the British had won; 
Defeats at the north had already begun. 
Burgoyne, in Jime, marched from Canada o'er. 
And his army numbered eight thousand or more; 
British and Indians allied together 
Marched to the south, in all kinds of weather. 
Forts Crown Point and Ticonderoga fell 
Into their hands, and Fort Edward as well. 

The supplies at Whitehall went to them, too. 

Nor could General Schuyler very much do. 

He could not fight them, his force was so small, 

But he broke down the bridges, and trees he made fall. 

Obstructing the path through the tangled wood, 

And keeping the army back all he could. 

Alarm was felt at the loss of these forts 

As over the country went the reports. 



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UNITED STATES HISTORY 

Lincoln and Arnold, both gallant and true, 
And Morgan with his famous riflemen, too; 
Burgoyne's advance were sent out to delay, 
Until help should arrive to keep him away. 
The militiamen's ranks were rapidly filled; 
An army collected and speedily drilled. 
Much dissatisfaction with Schuyler arose, 
So Gates was installed and Schuyler deposed. 

But yet he told Gates all the plans that he knew, 
And generously helped him to carry them through. 
The army, at Bemis Heights now made its home. 
Drilling for service, when Burgoyne should come. 
And building intrenchments, all in a row, 
Under direction of Kosciusco. 

In the meantime, before Gates took command, 

Burgoyne found derangements in what he had planned. 

First, St. Leger was sent Fort Schuyler to seize 

And ravage the Mohawk Valley at ease. 

Arnold, who was sent that fort to relieve, 

By a strategem bold, the British deceived; 

A half-witted boy had been captured, and he 

Agreed in return for his liberty. 

To do as they told him, and follow their plan, 

So into the camp of besiegers he ran; 

Holes he had cut in his clothing to show 
How near he had been to the terrible foe. 
When asked of their number, he mysteriously 
Pointed above, at the leaves on the tree. 
The Indians and British, now crazy with dread, 
Their tents and artillery left as they fled. 

Second. Then a detachment, under Colonel Baum, 
To seize the supplies at Bennington come. 
They met the militia, by General Stark led; 
When he saw the British lines forming, he said: 



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IN RHYME 

" There are the redcoats, we must beat them, I say. 

Or Betty Stark is a widow today." 

He defeated the British, as he had desired, 

And over six hundred prisoners acquired. 

Disappointed in what he expected to gain — 
That is, reinforcements and supplies obtain — 
From both these directions, he determined to fight, 
And attacked Gates's army at Bemis Heights. 
The armies surged to and fro through the day. 
Like the tide ebbing and flowing away; 
The strife did not cease, nor either side yield 
Till darkness of night settled down on the field. 

There both armies lay in camp for two weeks, 
Each over the other advantage would seek. 
Till Burgoyne, finding his provisions low. 
And that he must either fight, or must go; 
To attack Gates again he moved out, 
Hoping he might the Americans rout. 
Arnold, who had been unjustly deprived 
Of his command, when Burgoyne arrived 

Rushed into the thickest part of the fight. 

Although to give orders he had no right. 

To the head of his old command went he; 

They received him with cheers and followed with glee. 

He ordered a charge on the British line. 

Leading each onset with bravery fine; 

Delivered his orders where bullets flew fast. 

Driving the British to shelter at last. 

The Hessians, dismayed by these awful attacks. 
Fired but one volley and then turned their backs. 
Arnold was wounded, and from the field sent, 
But he won the battle with Gates in a tent. 



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UNITED STATES HISTORY 

Back to Saratoga Burgoyne now fell; 
Escape there was none, and he knew it well; 
Soldiers were deserting, provisions were low, 
To the river for water no one dared go. 
At a council of war held in Burgoyne's tent 
To talk of surrender, a cannon-ball went 
Over the table where officers sat — 
Decisions were speedily made after that. 

The entire army, most six thousand strong, 
Laid down their arms and surrendered ere long. 
The Americans marched into the camp. 
To the tune of Yankee Doodle they tramp. 
But when Burgoyne handed his sword to Gates, 
He promptly returned it, so history relates. 
And soon, at the news of this victory grand, 
A shout of joy went up all over the land. 

THE WINTER IN VALLEY FORGE (1777-1778) 

The winter in Valley Forge passed was by far 
The gloomiest period of the whole war. 
The money that Congress had voted to make, 
Had fallen in value, until it would take 
To clothe an officer, more than his pay; 
It might go still lower for all they could say. 
Many who had their money been giving, 
Now had to resign to get them a living. 

The men were half clothed, with bare, bleeding feet, 
In comfortless huts with little to eat. 
They had but few blankets, no straw could be found. 
And cold, sick, and hungry they slept on the ground. 
With no change of clothing, no ease for their grief; 
If one of them sickened death was his relief. 
But still from the cause not one of them turned. 
And the fires of patriotism still burned. 



IN RHYME 

For Washington, feeling that his cause was just. 

Inspired all around him with his sublime trust. 

In the spring the hearts of all were made glad 

By news that, through Benjamin Franklin, France had 

Acknowledged them independent to be. 

And a fleet was hastening over the sea, 

To help in the struggle, England to defeat. 

And so they were happy the Frenchmen to greet. 



BATTLE OF MONMOUTH (June 28, 1778) 

Howe, having returned to his own native land, 

Clinton succeeded him in the command. 

The British alarmed at the coming French fleet, 

Had Clinton's forces at New York to meet. 

Through New Jersey, Washington followed them fast, 

And at Monmouth he overtook them at last. 

Now General Lee, who led the attack. 

Had ordered retreat, and was going back. 

When Washington, riding up on his steed, 
Rebuked Lee severely, and taking the lead, 
By his personal presence rallied the men. 
And against the enemy sent them again. 
The fight lasted all of that long sultry day, 
And in the dark night Clinton stole away. 

An attack on Newport, arranged to be made 
By the Americans, with their French aid; 
Under D'Estaing the French fleet sailed away. 
And soon after entered Narragansett Bay. 
Came Howe off the harbor with the English fleet; 
D'Estaing sailed forward in battle to meet. 



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UNITED STATES HISTORY 

A storm struck the vessels, and when it was o'er 
Both fleets were disabled and pulled for the shore. 
Sullivan, deserted, made haste to retreat; 
And just escaped with Clinton's army to meet. 
For Clinton had come from New York and was near; 
The French gave no further aid during this year. 



THE WYOMING MASSACRE 

Some Tories and Indians in July, 
To the valley of the Wyoming drew nigh, 
Where most of the men had gone to the war. 
The old men and boys now armed themselves for 
Defense, while the women and children flew 
For refuge, unto a fort which they knew. 
And so, taking courage to save the lives 
Of the helpless children, mothers and wives, 
This handful of men sallied forth to meet 
The invaders, but they soon met with defeat. 

Arfd the cruel Indians, all of that night. 

In torturing their prisoners took great delight. 

Butler did all that he could to restrain 

His savage allies, but it was in vain. 

For by night the whole valley was in a glare 

With the burning of dwellings everywhere. 

And the homeless people in their distress, 

Had fled for their lives through the wilderness. 



WAR IN THE SOUTH (1779) 

The war into Georgia had now been transferred, 
And most of the conflicts in the south occurred. 
Savannah was captured, Augusta also, 
The whole state was soon in the hands of the foe; 



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IN RHYME 

The royal governor they made haste to restore, 
And England could boast of this province once more. 
Next, marching 'gainst Charleston, General Prevost 
Had scarce reached the place when he heard that his foe. 
General Lincoln, was close on his track. 
And he to Savannah was glad to get back. 

In September, Lincoln, with D'Estaing's aid, 
A siege and bombardment on Savannah made; 
And then an assault, but it was in vain; 
Pulaski, and one thousand others were slain. 
There the simple-hearted Sergeant Jasper died, 
His regiment's banner clasped to his side. 
lyEstaing deserted them now, as he had 
Before, when his help was needed so bad. 



CAMPAIGN AT THE NORTH 

Clinton did little, except to send out 

Predatory parties to pillage about. 

So Norwalk, and Fairfield, and New Haven, too, 

Were plundered or burned as Tryon went through. 

And of his clemency Tryon made boast. 

In leaving a house on New England's coast. 



CAPTURE OF STONY POINT 

Wayne's capture of Stony Point, we will call 
One of the most brilliant exploits of them all. 
The countersign was from a negro obtained, 
And he from the British the knowledge had gained. 
He guided the troops in the darkness harsh. 
To the causeway over the flooded marsh. 
Round the hill on which the fort was lying, 
And so proudly the enemy defying. 



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UNITED STATES HISTORY 

The sentinel, to chat with the negro lagged, 
When he was, so suddenly, seized and gagged. 
Wayne's men passed over the causeway, and still 
Undiscovered, they reached the base of the hill. 
Then forming his men in two different sets. 
With unloaded muskets and fixed bayonets. 
Commenced the ascent, by the path so steep, 
That led to the top, and the army asleep. 

They had almost reached the picket, before 
They were discovered, and in a minute more 
Fire opened on them, and in the melee 
Brave Wayne was wounded, and that mortally, 
But commanded his aids to carry him high, 
That he at the head of his column might die. 
A moment more and a deafening shout 
Told of the fort won, and the enemy's rout. 

The atrocities of the Indians red 

Had kept the people in terror and dread; 

So General Sullivan's regiment 

Right into the Genesee country went. 

Near Elmira, New York, the foe he caught 

And at that place a fierce battle was fought; 

The defeated savages fled in dismay. 

And Sullivan marched to and fro, all the way 

Through that beautiful country, and in great haste 

Laying their cornfields and orchards in waste. 

NAVAL EXPLOITS 

The British were very much troubled by the 
American vessels upon the deep sea; 
For Washington fitted some vessels out, 
In seventy-five, to travel about 
The New England coast as privateers bold; 
To capture ships and their cargoes to hold. 
And Congress established in that same year 
A naval department, to drive away fear. 



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IN RHYME 

Swift sailing vessels, by bold seamen manned 

Infested the commerce of every land. 

Within three years of these aggressive trips, 

They had captured in all, five hundred ships; 

And often cruised round the British Isles and burned 

An English vessel before they returned. 

And Paul Jones was the most famous of these 

Naval heroes, who roamed o'er the blue seas. 

While cruising along England's coast, one day. 
Paul Jones was looking, and longing, for prey. 
The Serapis and Countess of Scarborough he met 
And thought this a chance some booty to get. 
This was the twenty-third day of September — 
Evening, at half past seven, remember — 
His vessel, the Bonhomme Richard, he drew 
Beside the Serapis, a struggle was due. 

In the middle of the engagement he lashed 
The vessels together where they had clashed; 
And fought hand to hand; 'twas a fearful sight 
When Paul Jones at last had " begun to fight." 
The Richard was poor, and rotten and old, 
And water was pouring into the hold. 
But in three hours after the battle begun. 
The Serapis gave up, the Richard had won. 

The Pallas, the capture of Scarborough made, 
But Jones' other ships there, gave him no aid; 
Instead, Captain Landis treacherously fired 
Into the Richard, by the hope inspired 
That Jones might be forced a surrender to make. 
So that he, himself, the Serapis might take; 
Rescue the Richard from the enemy, 
And thus, to Landis, the glory would be. 
After the battle Jones transferred his crew 
To the captured frigate and to Holland flew. 



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UNITED STATES HISTORY 



CAMPAIGN AT THE SOUTH 

Now that the British had Georgia subdued, 
In South Carolina the war was renewed. 
They attacked Charleston, by land and by sea, 
Though Lincoln resisted most valiantly. 
Enduring the siege till forty days passed, 
Was forced to surrender the city at last. 
And marauding parties soon overran 
The state and their depredations began. 

Clinton returned to New York, his old stand, 

Cornwallis taking the southern command. 

The " Conqueror of Burgoyne," General Gates, 

Now took command in the southern states. 

When he marched to Camden, Cornwallis to meet. 

He marched straight to ruin, and to defeat. 

And now that which happened was singular, quite, 

Both generals planned an attack at night. 

The advance guards met in the woods, and they 

After some skirmishing, waited for day. 

Then Cornwallis ordered a charge at dawn; 
At the first fire the militia were gone. 
De Kalb with his regulars firmly stood. 
Resisting the British as long as he could. 
Till, pierced by eleven bullets, he died; 
His comrades still bravely fought by his side, 
But soon they were forced their arms to lay down; 
Gates' army was scattered and could not be found. 
And Gates, with no soldiers, was met in the rear. 
Eighty miles distant with nothing to fear. 



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IN RHYME 



PARTISAN CORPS 

The Carolinas with Tories were filled, 

Some joined the British and some robbed and killed 

Their Whig neighbors, and on the other hand, 

The Whigs formed many a patriot band. 

Who rendezvoused in the swamps about 

And rode forth as occasion called them out. 

Thus the partisan corps on either side. 

Kept the country at all times terrified. 

Marion, Sumpter, Pickens and Lee 

Were patriot leaders, brave as could be; 

Their bands were large and could hold their own 

With garrisons small, or detachments lone. 

The contest at the south was mainly won 

By deeds that the citizen soldiers done. 

Two hundred million dollars had been made 

Of continental currency for trade; 

But its purchasing power was at this day 

One-fortieth what its face promised to pay. 

And at this point, the British lending a hand. 

With counterfeit money flooded the land. 

Which made matters worse for some would refuse 

The continental money to use. 

Great sufferings now the soldier endured. 

For proper supplies could not be procured. 

Some regiments, wishing to be disbanded, 

Qaimed time had expired, and their discharge demanded. 

Thirteen thousand strong, they set out to get 

Redress at the point of the bayonet. 

But a committee of Congress at last 

Satisfied them, and the trouble had passed. 



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UNITED STATES HISTORY 



ARNOLD'S TREASON 

At the north the British were quiet, indeed, 
And Washington's army unfit to proceed. 
And now while the armies were laying low 
The cause of liberty suffered a blow. 
General Arnold, whose bravery won 
Saratoga, and made Burgoyne's army run, 
Was stationed now (being unfit for the field) 
At Philadelphia, while his wound healed. 

He was won by a Tory lady's smile; 
Married, and lived in extravagant style; 
But made himself so obnoxious, that he 
On one occasion was mobbed, publicly. 
Some charges against him being preferred. 
He was convicted, and from the court heard 
A very light sentence, to be in brief. 
Reprimanded by the commander-in-chief. 
Washington, very considerately. 

The duty performed, and Arnold was free. 
But stung by disgrace, and of money in need, 
(To gratify both his revenge and his greed) 
He resolved that he would his country betray, 
And to do the vile deed began right away. 
He secured, from Washington, the command 
Of West Point, most important post in the land. 

And then to General Clinton proposed 
To surrender it, but his scheme was exposed. 
Clinton accepted, as you might suppose. 
And sent Major Andre the bargain to close. 
To be very careful, and keep out of sight, 
Andre ascended the Hudson at night. 
Went, from the English ship Vulture, to meet 
The traitor, and with him the plans to complete. 



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IN RHYME 

The business had kept them engaged till the dawn; 
The Vulture had been fired upon and was gone, 
But Andre the papers to Clinton must hand, 
And must make his way back to New York by land. 
Tarrytown he had reached in safety, well pleased; 
At a turn in the road his reins they were seized; 
Three men sprung before him, would not let him by, 
Searched, and found papers that proved him a spy. 

To Arnold, at breakfast, a note was then brought, 
And the note informed him that Andre was caught. 
He then told his wife of his peril that day; 
Terrified at his words, she fainted away. 
Kissing his boy, in the cradle asleep. 
He ran from the house, for his horse made a leap. 
And reaching the river jumped into his boat, 
Was rowed to the Vulture, and soon was afloat. 

He received the reward of his treachery. 
And in the English army a colonelcy. 
Also he received, and was never exempt. 
From everybody, the utmost contempt. 
The name of " Arnold the Traitor " will be 
The name to declare all his infamy. 
Andr6 was tried and hanged as a spy. 
And his fate awakened great sympathy. 

AT THE SOUTH (1781) 

When Green was appointed Gates to succeed, 

The army was in the greatest of need. 

Two thousand half-clothed, half-starved men to begin 

The campaign where Green expected to win. 

Tarleton attacked a part of his band 

At Cowpens, Green's men, under Morgan's command; 

The militia fled but the regulars trained. 

Fell back till a better position they gained. 



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UNITED STATES HISTORY 

The British, mistaking this for a retreat, 
Rushed on in confusion, but only to meet 
From the continentals, who had faced about, 
A fire that was deadly and put them to rout. 
Tarleton fled to Cornwallis, who set 
Out in hot haste, for he thought he would get 
The prisoners back, and beat Morgan sore, 
But Morgan had crossed the Catawba once more. 

When Cornwallis' army came into sight 
A rain had come on and with it came night. 
By the morning the river had risen so high 
It obliged Cornwallis three days to lay by. 
Green now joined Morgan, and led the retreat, 
And to the Yadkin Cornwallis he beat; 
And just as his army the other side gained, 
Storm clouds descended, and fiercely it rained. 

Cornwallis came up, was again at a loss. 

The river had swollen so he could not cross. 

But he marched up the streams, crossed over, and so 

Was soon once again in pursuit of his foe. 

On parallel roads a race now they ran. 

Each day thirty miles, to the fords of the Dan. 

Green's army was first to arrive at the place — 

Cornwallis decided to give up the chase. 

In a partisan warfare Green next engaged 

And at Guilford Court House a battle he waged; 

The militia fied when the firing begun; 

The regulars fought as they always had done. 

Green's army retired as from a defeat. 

And Cornwallis also ordered retreat. 

But when Green pursued him to force on the fight, 

Cornwallis in Wilmington shut himself tight. 

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IN RHYME 

Green turned and for South Carolina made, 
And there, with the citizen soldiers' aid, 
Nearly delivered that state from the hands 
Of the British army and Tory bands. 
At Eutaw Springs the English, defeated. 
And badly crippled, toward Charleston retreated. 
And though a fierce partisan warfare still 
Distracted the country, as such things will. 
This battle to a close, in the south, had brought 
The contest so long and so fiercely fought. 

The traitor, Arnold, still burning with hate, 

Led an expedition to Virginia state. 

And conducted the war with brutality rare. 

And burning of property here and there. 

La Fayette was sent to check Arnold's speed. 

But his force was so small he could not succeed. 

Cornwallis arrived and took Arnold's place. 

And the march continued at the same pace. 

Clinton, however, feared Washington most. 
And ordered Cornwallis to keep near the coast. 
Cornwallis, accordingly, after he'd burned 
Millions of dollars in property, turned 
To Yorktown and that he fortified well, 
Prepared to help Clinton whatever befell. 

SIEGE OF YORKTOWN 

To attack Cornwallis it was designed. 

By French and American forces combined. 

From Clinton Washington's plans were concealed 

Until he was far on his way to the field. 

The time was September, the twenty-eighth day. 

These forces at Yorktown lined up for the fray. 

French and Americans, sixteen thousand strong. 

Resolved that Yorktown they'd take before long. 



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UNITED STATES HISTORY 

On Yorktown's batteries they opened their own; 
Fired ships in the harbor by red hot shells thrown. 
The patriots carried one redoubt that way; 
The French took another one without delay. 
And during the siege the Americans there 
Gave their tents to their allies and slept in the air. 
Cornwallis saw no hopes of getting away 
And surrendered, October the nineteenth day. 

THE SURRENDER 

The armies in two lines extended a mile; 

The Americans on one side, drawn up in style, 

With George Washington at the head of the row; 

The French on the other, with Count Rochambeau. 

The captive army went marching between. 

With footsteps slow and dejected mein; 

Their arms were shouldered, their colors were cased, 

Their drums were now silent, in silence they paced. 

A large crowd had gathered Cornwallis to see, 

But now very ill he pretended to be. 

He would not come forth in his discontent. 

And by O'Hara his war sword he send. 

The Whigs and the Tories both felt that at last 
The long and terrible struggle had passed. 
And each patriot heart was dancing with glee, 
With the thought that America was free. 
In Philadelphia, at the dead of night, 
The people were wakened to joy and delight 
By the watchman's voice, with happiness shaken, 
"Past two o'clock and Cornwallis is taken!" 

Lights flashed through the houses far and near; 
Crowds on the streets gathered the glad news to hear. 
Some people were speechless and some people cried, 
And the old doorkeeper of Congress died. 



100 



IN RHYME 

On that blessed day at an early hour 

Congress assembled in all of its power; 

And they marched to the church in solemn state, 

To give thanks to God for his mercies great. 

No hope of subduing America now, 

So to a new government England must bow. 

The United States a crisis now faced, 

And in a sad situation was placed; 

Her currency worthless, her commerce destroyed. 

And for years no peace had the country enjoyed. 

After surrender of Yorktown was o'er 

England held Charleston for one year more. 

New York and Savannah they occupied, too, 

For two years, not knowing what King George might do. 

For King George the III was obstinate still. 
War might be resumed if he should so will. 
The American soldiers afraid that they 
Would be disbanded, sent home without pay, 
Petitioned Congress their wants to relieve, 
But no satisfaction from Congress received. 
George Washington, now was invited to be 
The king, but refused most indignantly. 

A paper, advising rash measures, was sent 
Around through the army, to each regiment. 
Washington begged of the men not to mar 
The record so fair they had made in the war. 
By his influence the clamor was eased 
And all difficulties were settled in peace. 

On the third day of September, 
In seventeen and eighty-three, 

A treaty signed at Paris, 

Acknowledged this country was free. 

101 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 

Soon after the army disbanded, 
Washington bidding farewell 

To his officers, and retiring. 

Again at Mount Vernon to dwell. 

During the war the states, in their need. 

On confederation papers agreed. 

But not much power on Congress conferred; 

It could recommend, but not enforce its word. 

The states were by bitter jealousy rent 

Towards each other, or one government. 

They wanted that each of the states should be free 

And with no national authority. 

And, although Congress had made a large debt. 

It had no money, and none could it get; 

It asked the states to relieve this great need, 

But, jealous of Congress, the states gave no heed. 

" We are," said Washington in his sorrow, 

" One nation today and thirteen tomorrow." 

Then came a rebellion, led by one. Shay, 
Of people refusing their taxes to pay — 
But this insurrection was forced to disband 
By militia under Lincoln's command. 
In these circumstances, wise men could see. 
The national government stronger must be. 

A convention was called, at the head of the nation. 
To revise the Articles of Confederation. 
They chose George Washington as president, 
And proceeded to frame a new government. 
In September of seventeen eighty-seven 
This constitution was adoptd as given. 
The government organized the next year 
And in eighty-nine did the nation appear. 



102 



IN RHYME 



WASHINGTON'S ADMINISTRATION (1789-1797) 

When they came to choose the first president, 

The young Ship of State for to guide, 
Every heart turned towards George Washington, 

To steer her safe out on the tide. 
But ah! it was with the deepest regret 

He entered political strife; 
He wished at his home, Mount Vernon, to stay 

And there spend the rest of his life. 

On his journey to New York, each village 

With gayly dressed people was massed, 
Bearing baskets and garlands of flowers, 

And shouting with joy as he passed. 
On the balcony of old Federal Hall, 

Of April, the thirtieth day, 
George Washington took the oath to support 

The government while he should stay. 

The new government, on every hand, 

By difficulties was beset; 
An empty treasury it had to face. 

And no credit could it now get. 
Pirates from Barbary attacked our ships; 

American citizens true 
In Algerine dungeons were languishing — 

Our Indians hostile, too. 

England had not condescended, as yet, 

To this place a minister send. 
Had made no treaty of commerce with us, 

To our ruined commerce help mend. 

Congress agreed to assume all the debts 
Of each of the states, great or small, 

And to pay the national debt in full. 
Continental money and all. 



103 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 

Taxes were levied on imported goods, 

And also on spirits distilled; 
A mint and a national bank were formed, 

And all promises were fulfilled. 

But great opposition was made to the tax — 

In Pennsylvania 'twas agreed 
That no tax on whiskey should ever be paid, 

And rioters gathered with speed. 
They were so numerous, and organized. 

And causing so many alarms, 
That fifteen thousand militia it took 

To make these men lay down their arms. 

INDIAN TROUBLES 

Two armies against the Indians sent 

In the northwest were defeated; 
When General Wayne was put in command 

The Indians soon retreated. 
Then Little Turtle, the Indian chief, 

Advised that the peace should be kept, 
Saying, that now the Americans had 

" A leader who never slept." 

But his council wise they refused to heed; 

A desperate battle was fought 
On the Maumee river, in ninety-four, 

And the Indians for refuge sought. 

" Mad Anthony " made the Indians think 

That all of their scalps he would take; 
He routed and chased them for many miles. 

And forced them a treaty to make. 
Giving up twenty-five thousand square miles 

Of land, to the men that were white; 
And told them, if ever this treaty they broke 

He would rise from his grave and fight. 



104 



IN RHYME 

And the Revolution had hardly been closed, 

When complainings from England came. 
That debts on this side they could not collect 

And wanted redress for the same. 
On the other hand, Americans claimed 

That the British army had carried 
Their negroes away, and that British posts 

Along our frontier still tarried. 

Chief Justice Jay as an envoy was sent, 

And to settle these questions tried; 
A treaty he made, which, after debate. 

The Senate at last ratified. 
That same year a treaty was made with Spain 

Which gave the navigation, free 
Of the Mississippi river to us 

And fixed Florida's boundary. 

When France and England grew hostile again. 

The Americans thought it but right 
To sympathize with the French in the war, 

And wanted to help them fight. 
But Washington thought our policy was 

To keep from alliances free, 
And had at that time great trouble and pains 

In preserving neutrality. 

Genet, the French minister, went so far. 

His loyalty great to display. 
As at our ports to fit out privateers 

On the British commerce to prey. 
And he also tried the people to rouse, 

To rebel 'gainst the government. 
By Washington's wish Genet was recalled, 

And so back to France he was sent. 



105 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 

On account of these various questions 

Two parties, political, rose. 
The Republican party on one side. 

Which party made bold to oppose 
The English treaty, United States Bank, 

And paying the debts of each state; 
Jefferson, Madison, and Randolph, 

Were leaders at that early date. 

Hamilton and Adams were leading the 

Federalist party along. 
They supported the administration 

And tried to keep their party strong. 
Adams, the Federalist, was elected, 

To the presidency and fame, 
By only two votes over Jefferson, 

Who vice-president then became. 

JOHN ADAMS' ADMINISTRATION (1797-1801) 

The Alien and Sedition Laws were passed 

Because the denunciation 
Of the government by the friends of France, 

Disturbed the head of the nation. 
Under the former, the President could 

Any foreign person command 
To leave the United States, whom he thought 

Would injure the peace of the land. 

If any one libeled the President, 

Or Congress, for whatever cause; 
That person could be imprisoned and fined, 

Under the Sedition laws. 
This measure was very unpopular 

And the bitterest feelings rose; 
This country of freedom, the people thought, 

Should let a man speak as he chose. 



106 



IN RHYME 

Next, serious grew our aflfairs with France, 

With war the solution to be. 
They insulted our flag, and captured, too, 

Our vessels which sailed on the sea. 
Also, when our envoys were sent to France 

A refusal to them was made 
To meet with the French Directory, 

Unless that a bribe should be paid. 

The news of this insult the nation roused. 

And to get redress and relief. 
An army was raised and George Washington 

Appointed commander-in-chief. 
Hostilities on the sea had commenced, 

When happily for those concerned, 
Napoleon became First Consul of France, 

And the war into peace was turned. 

And now an intense party feeling prevailed 

This administration all through; , 
The recently passed unpopular laws 

Strength for the Republicans drew. 
As Jeflferson and Burr had equal votes, 

The election to the House went. 
Which chose Jefferson for the president, 

And Burr for the vice-president. 

JEFFERSON'S ADMINISTRATION (1801-1809) 

The event of this administration 

Most important to history 
Was the purchase of Louisiana, 

In eighteen hundred and three. 
The possession of the Mississippi 

We by this great purchase had gained, 
And one million square miles of land, had for 

Fifteen million dollars obtained. 



107 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 

Now a most bitter rival was Aaron Burr, 

Both in politics and in law, 
To Hamilton, and he challenged him to 

A duel, with pistols to draw. 
Hamilton accepted, and at the first fire 

He fell, and where his blood was spilled 
His eldest son, but a short time before. 

Had in the same manner been killed. 

His death a profound sensation had caused; 

And Burr, after this, west would go. 
An expedition he organized there. 

For to settle in Mexico. 
But he was suspected of a design 

To break up the union, and found 
A new confederacy, but if true. 

His air castles fell to the ground. 
He was arrested, and tried, on a charge 

Of treason, and though at the last 
He was acquitted for lack of proof, 

He always remained an outcast. 

THE FIRST STEAMBOAT 

The year eighteen hundred and seven was made 

Quite famous by setting afloat 
For the voyage from New York to Albany, 

Of the Clermont, the first steamboat, 
Invented by Robert Fulton. For years 

The Hudson river could boast 
Of having the one steamboat in the world, 

Though it went to no foreign coast. 

Tripoli, like other Barbary states. 
Had cruisers which on the sea went. 

And they'd capture vessels and hold their crews 
As slaves, till a ransom was sent. 



108 



IN RHYME 

Like other nations, the United States 

Was accustomed each year to pay 
These pirates a tribute, to make them keep 

Their boats from our vessels away. 

At last the Bashaw so haughty became 

That against us he declared war; 
And thinking, no doubt, he would tribute gain; 

But this time he went much too far. 
For Jefferson sent a fleet there at once 

Which blockaded the port with ease. 
And bombarded the city of Tripoli 

Till the frightened Bashaw made peace. 

During this period England and France 

Were in a fierce struggle engaged. 
All trade with each other these nations forbade; 

Thus war against commerce they waged. 
The United States as neutral remained, 

And most of the carrying trade 
Was done by American vessels and we, 

In both countries, enemies made. 

Besides, England claimed now the right to search 

Our vessels upon the high seas; 
They'd take all the seamen of English birth 

And the rest of the crew release. 
But when the British ship, Leopard, fired into 

The American Chesapeake, 
The feeling, already intense, deepened to 

A desire for redress to seek. 

Now the Chesapeake, being unprepared 
For battle, her colors hauled down, 

And four of her crew were taken away 
To fight for the English crown. 



109 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 

And three of these four were Americans 
„ By birth, and wished to remain. 
Jefferson ordered all British warships 
To go from our waters again. 

And Congress next passed an Embargo Act, 

Our ships in port keeping, but proved 
So very injurious to our commerce. 

That it soon had to be removed. 
And the country, when Jeflferson's term expired, 

Was still in this feverish state. 
They this time elected James Madison, 

The Republican candidate. 

MADISON'S ADMINISTRATION (1809-1817) 

The British agents were trying to rouse 

The Indians' hostility; 
Tecumseh the opportunity seized 

To form a confederacy. 
General Harrison against them sent 

With a force, was attacked at night; 
'Twas near the river of Tippecanoe 

And the Indians were put to flight. 

And so against England this war aroused 

The people all over the west. 
The British continued to capture our ships, 

And also our seamen impressed. 
And the British government went so far 

As into our waters to send 
War vessels, to seize as prizes our ships — 

An insult they were forced to mend. 
As England refused to relinquish her course 

So we for the struggle prepared. 
And finally, on the nineteenth of June, 

Was war against Britain declared. 



110 



IN RHYME 

SECOND WAR WITH GREAT BRITAIN (1812-1814) 

Surrender of Detroit, August 16, 1812 

A journey by General Hull was made, 
The province of Canada to invade; 
There he of the capture of Mackinavsr learned, 
And to Detroit with his army returned. 
The British army, under Brock's command. 
With Tecumseh's Indians, followed him, and 
In front of Detroit they came to a halt, 
Preparing at once that fort to assault. 

Inside the fort the conditions were fine; 

The garrison ready and formed in line; 

The gunners were standing with matches alight, 

Awaiting the order the fuse to ignite. 

When Hull, all unnerved, on Brock's army gazed. 

And ordered the white flag, a tablecloth, raised. 

Mid the tears of his men, and not asking for 

Even the usual honors of war. 

He surrendered Detroit, and all of its store. 

Thus turning the whole of Michigan o'er. 

Another attempt, that summer quite late. 

To invade Canada by way of York state. 

Was made by Van Rensselaer, who, on the day 

Of October thirteenth opened the fray 

By sending some men, who wanted to fight, 

To attack the British at Queenstown Heights. 

From their position the English fell back. 

General Brock was killed in this attack. 

Van Rensselaer then returned to the shore 

To bring the rest of his army o'er. 

But the militia, denying the right 

Of their commander to take them quite 

111 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 

Outside of the state, refused to depart, 

And basely abandoned their friends, at the start, 

Who struggled bravely the battle to win 

But found it was hopeless and had to give in. 

In contrast to these disgraces by land, 

The success on the sea was something grand. 

Off Newfoundland's coast, a victory rare. 

Of the Constitution over Guerriere. 

The English ship, Guerriere, it is true. 

Opened the firing the first of the two; 

No answer from Captain Hull, till he'd brought 

His vessel just to the position he sought. 

But when he had gained it, beginning to throw 
Broadside after broadside into his foe; 
Shattering her hull, her deck sweeping fast, 
And cutting to pieces her rigging and mast. 
Guerriere surrendered at Hull's command. 
So badly injured she never reached land; 
But in a few hours of putting it right, 
" Old Ironsides " was ready and fit for fight. 

The next noted achievement was the defeat 
Of the English brig. Frolic, when she chanced to meet 
With the sloop-of-war, Wasp, off Carolina's shore — 
The crew of the Frolic would never fight more. 
For when she was boarded her colors still flew, 
To haul them down, none were left of her crew. 
The man at the wheel, injured, had been 
The only one left of all of her men. 

Then over the sea went the privateers bold, 

And always inflicting damage untold 

On British commerce, and during the year 

Took three hundred prizes from far and from near. 



112 



IN RHYME 

The eflFect of these victories was to arouse 
Enthusiasm, the cause to espouse. 
Adams was reelected, which proved 
That objections to his policy were removed. 



1813 

In this year three armies were raised, and the three 

Were to invade Canada ultimately. 

The Army of the Center, taking its stand 

On the Niagara, Dearborn in command. 

The Army of the North, under Hampton's lead, 

Along Lake Champlain assembled with speed. 

The Army of the West was gathering, too. 

Under the hero of Tippecanoe. 

The English were under Proctor's command, 

With Tecumseh and his Indian band. 

The Armies of the Center and the North 

That year did but little service of worth. 

Though Dearborn assaulted York, it is said, 

Where General Pike so gallantly led; 

When just at the moment of victory's shout 

The magazine blew up, handing death out. 

And though Pike was wounded, he lived till he saw 

The British flag captured and heard the hurrah. 

At a sign from Pike, who was almost dead, 
The captured flag was placed under his head, 
When he died as he wished, quite peacefully, 
" Like Wolfe, in the arms of victory." 

Soon after this battle Dearborn resigned. 

Hs successor, Wilkinson, made up his mind 

To descend the St. Lawrence, join Hampton, and fall 

With the two armies upon Montreal. 



113 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 

At Chrysler's Field a sharp action occurred, 
But Wilkinson, here receiving the word 
That Hampton to Pittsburg had gone away. 
Abandoned the enterprise without delay. 

A detachment of General Harrison's men 

Was captured at Frenchtown, by Proctor, who then 

At Fort Meigs besieged Harrison, too, 

But he was repulsed and his army withdrew. 

Stormed Fort Stephenson, but was beaten again 

By Croghan, with one hundred and sixty men. 

Now this year had been unsuccessful all through. 

When a triumph on Erie brightened the view. 

PERRY'S VICTORY (September 10) 

When command was given to Captain Perry 
Of the small flotilla upon Lake Erie, 
The British were proud masters of the lake, 
While Captain Perry was obliged to make 
A part of his fleet from the trees that grew 
In the forest, near the waters blue. 
By great exertion the industrious ones 
Got nine vessels ready, with fifty-four guns. 

The British fleet, with six vessels, appeared, 
And straight for this squadron small they steered; 
Perry's flagship, Lawrence, while the battle raged 
With two of the largest vessels engaged. 
He fought till his crew was reduced to eight, 
Then finding that he could no longer wait. 
He helped them to fire the last gun, before 
He leaped into a boat and his flag he bore 

To the Niagara, and on this trip 
Passed in pistol shot of the English ship. 
They turned the guns on him, too, as he passed 
But he reached his own vessel in safety at last. 



114 



IN RHYME 

Through the lines of the enemy firing he run, 

And in fifteen minutes the battle was won. 

Perry at once after this engagement, 

This message to General Harrison sent. 

Which the general welcomed, like summer flowers, 

" We have met the enemy and they are ours." 



BATTLE OF THE THAMES 

Proctor and Tecumseh at Maiden appear 

With their mixed armies to lay waste the frontier; 

Harrison was then at Sandusky Bay 

Making ready to invade Canada. 

When he heard of Perry's victory he pushed 

Across the lake, and to Maiden he rushed. 

This he found deserted, and hotly pursued 

The flying enemy as fast as he could 

To the river Thames, and overtook them here 
And charged them both at the front and the rear. 
The British surrendered, but Proctor, they say. 
By the speed of his horse escaped away. 
Johnson pushed forward the reds to attack 
Before the heat of the battle should slack. 
He fired a ball in the midst of the strife 
Which struck Tecumseh, and ended his life. 

The savages lost hope when Tecumseh died, 
And fled in confusion on every side. 
This victory, with Perry's, relieved Michigan, 
And the free control of Lake Erie began. 
And also these victories shortened the days 
Of the war, and Harrison received the praise. 



lis 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 



CHESAPEAKE AND THE SHANNON 

Now Captain Laurence for glory would seek, 
So was placed in command of the Chesapeake. 
And this vessel was the ill-starred frigate 
That once to the Leopard surrendered her fate. 
While at Boston making his vessel tight, 
A challenge was sent him the Shannon to fight. 
Part of his crew were discharged, and the rest 
Were unpaid, half mutinous and depressed. 

Laurence, in spite of all this, put to sea — 
The battle was brief, as brief as could be — 
In the Chesapeake's arm-chest a hand grenade 
Burst, and a dreadful confusion it made. 
The enemy boarded in the attack 
And a scene of carnage followed the act. 
When mortally wounded, and borne to his bed, 
" Don't give up the ship " is what Laurence said. 

CREEK WAR 

The Indians of Alabama this year 
Formed a league against the white people near; 
Fell on Fort Mimms, and in cruelty skilled, 
Even the women and children they killed. 
Volunteers flocked in from all sides to avenge 
This horrid deed, and soon had their revenge, 
For under Jackson the Indians they pressed 
From place to place, and would give them no rest 

Until they took refuge at Horseshoe Bend, 
And there fortified themselves for the end; 
The Creeks in despair fought bravely and well, 
But quite six hundred of their number fell. 
And the remainder were very glad 
To make peace on any terms to be had. 



116 



IN RHYME 

And early in that spring the British host 

Commenced devastating the southern coast, 

England was disgraced by Cockburn alone, 

His conduct was worse than Cornwallis had shown. 

Along the coast on a tour of pillage 

He burned every bridge, farmhouse and village. 

He robbed the churches, so people have said, 

And cruelly murdered the sick in their bed. 



1814 

BATTLE OF LUNDY'S LANE (July 25) 

The American army, a point to score. 

Crossed the Niagara river once more. 

And for the last time in Canada landed; 

And General Brown the army commanded. 

They took Fort Erie, and, Scott leading the fray 

Next attacked the British at Chippewa. 

And managed a victory great to gain 

And then fought a battle at Lundy's Lane. 

Here within sound of Niagara's fall 
Occurred the bloodiest battle of all. 
Scott had but one thousand men at the best. 
But until dark he maintained the contest. 
And now on a hill was a battery 
Which was to the British position the key; 
UGeneral Brown had arrived and could see 
This place must be taken immediately. 

So, Colonel Miller he called to his side. 
Asked if he could take it and Miller replied, 
" I'll try, sir," and heading his regiment 
He steadily marched up the steep ascent. 



117 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 

The coveted place he secured at last 

And in spite of the British he held it fast. 

But three times they rallied before they would yield, 

And then at midnight retired from the field. 

Ail but fifteen hundred troops of the town 
Of Plattsburg had gone to reinforce Brown. 
Prevost, the British commander, had learned 
Oi this and straight to Plattsburg he turned 
With twelve thousand veteran soldiers, who 
Had served under Wellington and proved true. 
As he advanced to attack where he failed, 
The British fleet, on Lake Champlain, assailed 

Our squadron, commanded by Commodore 
MacDonough, and that British fleet was no more. 
Plattsburg's little army kept Prevost back. 
And prevented him crossing the Saranac. 
When he found that his ships were lost he fled, 
Leaving the wounded as well as the dead. 
Besides all these, in his hurry, leaving 
Stores which our army made haste in receiving. 



RAVAGES ON THE ATLANTIC COAST 

The British blockade to the north deployed, 
And our commerce was completely destroyed. 
The lamps in the lighthouses were put out; 
They were only showing the British about. 
The English took several towns in Maine, 
But Stonington* they bombarded in vain. 
And Cockburn continued to look for prey 
Along the shores of the Chesapeake Bay. 
Next General Ross to Washington turned. 
And there the national capitol burned; 



^StoningtOQ, Cona. 

118 



IN RHYME 

Also the Congressional Library, 
Then to attack Baltimore went by sea. 
Below the place, disembarking his band, 
The troops moved against the city by land; 
The while the fleet on the river remained 
To bombard Fort McHenry, but nothing gained. 
The troops were met with resistance inspired, 
And so to their ships the army retired. 

Great excitement was caused by these events; 

Militia were organized for defense. 

Each seaport proceeded great caution to take; 

All citizens labored defenses to make, 

And the administration was reproached for 

The manner in which it conducted the war. 

To discuss the subject, some delegates 

At Hartford met, from the New England States. 

The meeting was branded with odium 
By the people who into power had come. 
But even before the convention adjourned 
Peace had been made, as they afterwards learned. 
On December the twenty-fourth, at Ghent, 
The treaty was signed and the news was sent; 
But before this country received the word. 
In the south a terrible battle occurred. 

Twelve thousand men and a powerful fleet, 
At New Orleans met with a bitter defeat. 
They were commanded by Pakenham, 
And to capture New Orleans they came. 
This, General Jackson expected to see 
And threw up intrenchments below the city. 
The British in solid columns drew near, 
Not heeding the fire that was so severe. 



119 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 

When they came within range of the riflemen 
They wavered, and rallied again and again. 
Then Pakenham fell and no discipline 
Or brave deeds could make his army win. 
General Lambert took charge of the fight 
And drew off his men in the dead of night. 
Over two thousand men had been cost — 
The American army but seven had lost. 

The impressment question, as understood, 
Although not mentioned was settled for good. 
A very large debt on the nation was laid, 
But within twenty years it had all been paid. 
The United States had by now secured 
The respect of the world, for it had endured 
The test for to meet, and successfully, 
The greatest power in the world, on the sea. 

Our power, with our independence, had grown, 
And all nations knew we could now stand alone. 
Mills had sprung up to supply the trade, 
In place of the goods cut off by blockade. 
And this branch of industry throve, after peace, 
Though depressed for a time after trade was released. 

When Madison's term of office expired 
The Federalist party had been retired. 
The man whom the Republicans selected 
Was almost unanimously elected. 
For James Monroe was beloved by all; 
Each party stood ready to answer his call. 
And during his term was prosperity shown. 
And is as " The era of good feeling " known. 



120 



IN RHYME 



MONROE'S ADMINISTRATION (1817-1825) 

Now when Missouri had proposed 

To join the Union as a state. 
Discussions bitter soon arose; 

And quarrels, too, about her fate. 
Some people thought she should be slave. 

And others thought she should be free; 
But, through the efforts of Henry Clay, 

It was admitted slave to be. 
It entered under compromise. 

That of the land which we possessed. 
We would prohibit slavery 

In all the country lying west. 

La Fayette over the ocean came — 

'Twas in the year of twenty-four, 
And it was as the nation's guest 

That he entered the land once more. 
He traveled through each of the states, 

Was welcomed with joy everywhere. 
He visited Washington's tomb 

With a very aflfectionate air. 
He went home in The Brandywine — 

This ship for the battle was named, 
Where La Fayette first drew his sword, 

In the cause which he never shamed. 

In one of Monroe's messages 

A new principal was laid down, 
And as the " Monroe Doctrine " it 

Is known at this day all around. 
Should a nation attempt to gain 

Dominion this side of the sea, 
It should be considered by us 

As an unfriendly act to be. 



121 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 

Division arose in the party, 

Which twice had elected Monroe; 
Republicans now were Democrats, 

The Whig party started to grow. 
The new party favored a tariff 

For protection to the home trade. 
And the Democrats opposed it — 

A bone of contention it made; 
No one of the four candidates 

Received the most votes at the close. 
The election went to the House, 

And John Quincy Adams* they chose. 



J. Q. ADAMS' ADMINISTRATION (1825-1829) 

During his one term the nation 

Continued to prosper and thrive. 
The Erie Canal was opened 

In eighteen hundred twenty-five. 
And in the year that followed this 

Was the first railroad to appear; 
The national debt diminished 

By six million dollars each year. 

The " American System " grew 

And it grew, till it reached its best. 
It was popular at the east. 

But at the south it oppressed. 
Adams for reelection was 

Once again the Whig's nominee, 
But the hero of New Orleans 

Now received a majority. 

*Whig. 



122 



IN RHYME 

JACKSON'S ADMINISTRATION (1829-1837) 

Jackson's honesty was received 

With pleasure, as you might suppose, 
But his sturdiness of purpose, 

Amazed his friends and his foes. 
He surrounded himself at once 

By just his political friends; 
Established rotation in office, 

That with each generation descends. 

South Carolina passed an act 

In eighteen hundred thirty-two. 
Declaring the tarifif " null and void," 

And telling just what she would do. 
The state would secede from the Union 

If force should be used to collect 
This tariff at Charleston City, 

And bade them to pause and reflect. 

With Jackson's accustomed promptness 

He issued a proclamation. 
And that he would enforce the laws. 

Expressed his determination. 
So troops to Charlestown he ordered, 

But Henry Clay's " Compromise Bill," 
Was now adopted by Congress 

The wants of both parties to fill. 

During his first term Andrew Jackson 

Vetoed a bill which renewed 
Charter of the United States Bank, 

And commercial distress ensued. 
He ordered the public money 

For to be removed from its vaults. 
And in the panic which followed 

A clamor arose o'er his faults. 



123 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 

This money which had been withdrawn, 

At once to the local banks came, 
And so, in the course of events, 

Quite easy to borrow became. 
Speculations of wildest kind 

Extended to each branch of trade, 
In western lands especially. 

Where many new towns were laid. 
Nearly everyone was engaged 

In some speculative crime, 
And the fruits of these hot-house schemes 

Were gathered in Van Buren's time. 



In the Northwest Territory, 

Eighteen hundred and thirty-two. 
The Black Hawk war broke out and gave 

To our brave soldiers some work to do. 
The Foxes and the Sacs had sold 

Unto the government some land* 
But to see the settlers coming 

The poor Indians could not stand. 
And after some light skirmishing 

The red folks were driven away. 
And old Black Hawk was captured, too, 

And the settlers in peace could stay. 



In three years more the Seminoles 

In this same way resisted 
Attempts to move them of? their land. 

And had to be assisted. 
Oceola, the Seminole chief, 

So very defiantly stood. 
The government agent put him 

In irons strong to make him good. 

124 



IN RHYME 

Dissembling his wrath, Oceola 

Pretended with them to agree, 
But no sooner was he loosened 

Than to plotting revenge went he. 
He planned a general massacre, 

The white people to drive away; 
General Thompson was shot and scalped, 

While sitting at dinner one day. 

And on the same day Major Dade, 

With a hundred men or more. 
They waylaid, near the Wahoo swamp. 

And killed them all but four. 
Then to the everglade they went 

Their punishment, just, to defeat. 
And thought, within its tangled swamps 

That they would find a safe retreat. 
But far into their hiding place 

Were swiftly followed all the way, 
By Taylor, and were beaten, too, 

In a battle foHght on Christmas day. 

France owed us five million dollars. 

And this she had promised to pay. 
For damages to our commerce 

While Napoleon's war was in play. 
France had not kept the agreement, 

So Jackson urged Congress to make 
Reprisals, by capturing ships. 

And the just dues by force to take. 
But mediation of England 

The payment secured of the debt, 
And averted a threatened war 

The five million dollars to get. 



125 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 

VAN BUREN'S ADMINISTRATION (1837-1841) 

Martin Van Buren was chosen 

The next president for to be; 
The candidate of the Democrats 

And the people's choice was he. 
A financial storm had gathered 

All during the years that had passed, 
And now in its fury it broke. 

And everyone met it, aghast. 

The banks closed their circulation; 

Business men their debts could not pay; 
Property declined in value. 

And failures occurred every day. 
The government was embarrassed. 

And eight of the states had soon failed; 
Trade now stood still, and the people 

Were with consternation assailed. 

And next a rebellion 'gainst England 

At that time by Canada made. 
Drew forth our people's sympathies. 

And they wanted to lend their aid. 
A proclamation was issued 

That our president would refuse 
Protection of the United States, 

To everyone who should choose 
To give their aid to Canada 

In defiance of his decrees; 
And he ordered General Scott 

To the frontier to keep the peace. 

Trouble about the boundary line 

Between New Brunswick and Maine, 

Threatened the peace of the nation, 
And a war with England again. 



126 



IN RHYME 

But, in eighteen and forty-two, 
A treaty with England was made 

By Lord Ashburton and Webster, 
And the trouble away was laid. 

The financial difficulties 

Changed the politics of the hour, 
And weakened public confidence 

In the party which was in power. 
The Whigs nominated Harrison, 

And his popularity grew. 
And so the people elected 

" The hero of Tippecanoe." 

HARRISON'S ADMINISTRATION (1841-1845) 

Now Harrison scarce had begun 

His duties, so new, to decide, 
And his cabinet selected, 

Before he grew ill and died. 
Then Tyler was the president. 

But he failed to satisfy — 
As a Whig he was elected, 

But Whig measures he laid by. 

When the Whigs passed a charter for 

A " Bank of the United States," 
The measure was vetoed by Tyler, 

And another one met the same fate. 
Of course the successive vetoes 

Sufficed to cause anger deep. 
But President Tyler did nothing 

The peace in his party to keep. 

And the suffrage difficulties. 

Known as " Dorr's Rebellion," grew 

From efforts in Rhode Island, to get 
A constitution that was new. 



127 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 

For their old charter was in force, 
And the people wished for a change. 

To give each man an equal right 
The public business to arrange. 

And then a new constitution 

Was in forty-one accepted, 
And under this T. W. Dorr 

As governor was elected. 
This government was illegal. 

So it trouble caused, and strife. 
They arrested Dorr for treason 

And imprisoned him for life. 
A liberal constitution. 

In eighteen hundred forty-three, 
Was legally adopted, and 

So Dorr was pardoned and was free. 

On some of the old " Patroon estates " 

In New York, the tenants refused 
To pay the rent, though very small. 

And the officers they abused. 
They tarred and feathered, to punish, 

All those tenants who paid the rent, 
And this disturbance was only stopped 

By power of the government. 

THE MORMONS 

A religious sect, called Mormons, 

Had settled on some land 
In Illinois, and built a town. 

And a costly temple planned. 
According to the enmity 

Which others to them bore. 
Their leader, Joseph Smith, was killed 

In eighteen forty-four. 

128 



IN RHYME 

And their city was bombarded 

Three days, and finally. 
To Iowa the people fled 

To find security. 

The first magnetic telegraph. 

In eighteen forty-four, 
Was built, connecting Washington 

By wire with Baltimore. 
Samuel Morse invented it. 

And now it told the folk, 
In the first public message, that 

They'd nominated Polk. 

Texas, to be annexed to us. 

Applied in that same year, 
And Congress, at first debating, 

Would not admit them here. 
And then they left it to a vote. 

When election came about; 
And so Texas was admitted 

E'er Tyler's term was out. 

In this campaign each party made 

Its choice without delay; 
The Democrats chose James K. Polk, 

The Whigs chose Henry Clay. 
And though election was quite close, 

'Twas Polk that won the day. 



WAR WITH MEXICO (1846-1847) 

For annexing Texas this country must go. 
To settle the question, and fight Mexico. 
General Taylor with his troops went down 
To the Rio Grande and there built Fort Brown. 



129 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 

Returning there, after he'd gone for supplies, 
On Palo Alto he met a surprise. 
The Mexican army, six thousand strong. 
Were, under Arista, across the road drawn. 

Although they outnumbered him three to one, 

He drew up his men, and the firing begun. 

He beat, and but nine of his men were slain; 

And the next afternoon he met them again 

At Resaca de la Palma, between 

The rough, bushy banks of a deep ravine. 

They held Taylor's men in check for a time, 

When Captain May, charging with courage sublime, 

Into the firing, with his cavalry. 
Captured the guns of the enemy. 
General La Vega, before he could run, 
Was caught, in the act of firing a gun. 
And the infantry drove the enemy out, 
And over the river, in utter rout. 

CAPTURE OF MONTEREY (September 24) 

General Taylor with six thousand men. 

At Monterey met the Mexicans again. 

The city was surrounded by mountains steep, 

And ravines that were rocky, and wide and deep. 

'Twas fortified strong and defended by 

Ten thousand soldiers, to do and die. 

A grand assault on the city was made 

By Taylor's soldiers, who were not afraid. 

To avoid the deadly firing, which poured 
From the barricades, and from windows roared. 
They entered the buildings and dug their way 
Through the houses' walls, that terrible day; 
Or over the roofs of the buildings passed; 
And the Grand Plaza they were nearing fast, 
When the city surrendered to its foe, 
And with the honors of war was allowed to go. 

130 



IN RHYME 



BATTLE OF BUENA VISTA (February 23, 1847) 

When to Santa Anna it became known 
That the flower of Taylor's army had gone, 
The Mexican general thought that he 
Might crush the remainder quite easily. 
So to meet this mighty Mexican host, 
Taylor at Buena Vista took his post. 
In a mountain pass, with hills on one side. 
And on the other a gulch that was wide. 

At this place with twenty thousand or so 
Of the very best troops of Mexico, 
Old Santa Anna appeared in his might. 
To force on a battle and win the fight. 
And the battle lasted from early dawn 
Until night descended, and day was gone. 
In the final encounter our infantry 
Overwhelmed by numbers was likely to be 

Then the artillery was ordered to go 

To rescue these men and punish the foe; 

They, without support of infantry, dashed, 

And into the mass of the enemy clashed. 

But wishing to make them lower their flag. 

The general shouted to Captain Bragg 

For " a little more grape," just to make them run, 

And as Taylor ordered so Captain Bragg done. 

A second and third discharge of grape sped, 
When the Mexicans in disorder fled, 
And Santa Anna, before it was day. 
Took his defeated army away. 
Taylor's work was done, but his army bold 
The conquered country was meant to hold. 
While General Scott was soon to begin 
His march to the capital, laurels to win. 



131 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 

General Kearney intended to go 
And take California and New Mexico. 
From Fort Leavenworth he started in June, 
And at Santa Fe he arrived quite soon. 
And when at this place, our flag he unfurled 
And continued his march to the western world. 
But learned from Kit Carson that he was too late, 
For John C. Freemont had conquered the State. 



GENERAL SCOTT'S ARMY 

CAPTURE OF VERA CRUZ (March 29, 1847) 

Scott and his army reached Mexican land 

And drew their siege-lines, among hills of sand, 

Before Vera Cruz, beginning to make 

Ready for action, that city to take. 

After bombarding four days, that were long, 

They captured the city and castle so strong. 

Scott marched for the city of Mexico 
And at the mountain pass of Cerro Gordo, 
With fortifications, the enemy lay 
Right in his path, and blocking his way. 
His men cut a road round the mountain's base, 
And ropes dragged the cannon up to place. 
And commenced to fire in the enemy's rear, 
While those at the front assaulted them there. 

The Mexicans fled in such haste that day 

That Santa Anna, in getting away, 

Rode his wheel mule, and did not stop 

For his wooden leg, his body to prop. 

To Pueblo City went General Scott; 

It surrendered to him and resisted not. 

For the next three months Scott here made his home, 

While waiting for reinforcements to come. 



132 



IN RHYME 

BATTLES BEFORE MEXICO 

On August the seventh Scott's army once more 
Was on the march, as they had been before. 
And after marching three days at their best, 
The army reached the Cordillera's crest. 
And lying before them in all of its pride. 
Was the valley of Mexico, long and wide. 

In the midst was the city, surrounded by 

Plains that were fertile, and mountains so high. 

But that the way hither was guarded well 

By fortifications the eye could tell. 

There thirty thousand men, all ready, stood 

To lay down their lives for the city's good. 

To avoid the strongest points, in the game, 
Scott turned to the south, and the army came 
To Contreras' Camp and stopped for the night, 
And early next morning commenced the fight. 
They had moved to their posts in darkness so deep 
They must touch each other together to keep. 

When this place was captured, to battle they warmed, 

And the height of Churubusco was stormed. 

Here they captured batteries and laid bare 

The causeways leading to the city fair. 

Then a parley for peace the advance delayed. 

Until General Scott the discovery made, 

That the Mexicans were improving the hour 
To fix their defense and strengthen their power. 
So to the assault our army moved on 
And the outworks were taken, one by one. 
On September fourteenth they entered the town. 
Where Mexico's flag at last had come down. 



133 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 

And the Stars and Stripes waved their colors gay. 

O'er the palace of Montezumas that day. 

February the second, of forty eight, 

A treaty was signed, and the United States 

A vast territory from Mexico gained, 

And we ever since have that country retained. 

Texas, the prize of the war that was past, 
Became the bone of contention at last. 
For David Wilmot proceeded to fix 
A bill for Congress, in eighteen forty-six, 
To forbid owning slaves, this bill desired. 
In territory which should be acquired. 
And though it was lost it excited debate 
Both on the outside and in the Senate. 

GOLD IN CALIFORNIA 

A workman was digging (and this was the date: 

The month, February, the year, forty-eight) 

A mill-race in Sacramento valley. 

And some gold in the dirt he happened to see. 

A search proved, the country for miles around, 

Did in the precious metal abound. 

In every direction the news quickly flew, 

And emigration from all parts it drew. 

Thousands of people came over the land 
And left human bones in the desert sand. 
And soon around San Francisco Bay, 
Made of shanties and booths, a city lay. 
Then streets were laid out by the motley crew 
And a beautiful city by magic grew. 
Lawlessness reigned for a time in the land, 
Till respectable citizens, taking a hand, 
Formed vigilance committees who stood 
To administer justice, prompt though rude. 



134 



IN RHYME 

And three parties now to the people went, 
To divide the votes for a president. 
And so the Whig party would nominate 
General Taylor for their candidate; 
And Lewis Cass was the Democrats' choice, 
In case they should win to help them rejoice. 
The free-soilers, who would always oppose 
Extension of slavery, Van Buren chose. 
But Taylor, because of his glorious fight 
In the Mexican war, was the favorite. 



TAYLOR AND FILLMORE'S ADMINISTRATION (1849-53 

But Taylor succumbed to the reaper grim, 
And Millard Fillmore succeeded him. 
During this administration all through, 
The subject of slavery steadily grew. 
And then California next raised a debate. 
When it asked for admission as a free State. 

These questions all to a focus drew, 
And the Union was almost rent in two. 
At this terrible crisis Henry Clay, 
" The great pacificator," saved the day. 
And with his wonderful eloquence sought 
A compromise and forbearance he taught. 
And with Daniel Webster as second, tried 
In the channel of peace the people to guide. 

The Omnibus Bill, Clay's measure, proposed 
That California come in as it chose. 
That New Mexico and Utah should be 
Formed without question about slavery. 
That ten million dollars to Texas be paid 
For the claim which it on New Mexico laid. 



135 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 

That the District of Columbia should 
From the slavery trade be freed for good; 
That a fugitive slave law w^e should have, 
To return to their owners each runaway slave. 
Provisions of this bill were, one by one, 
Adopted as the best thing to be done. 

Five hundred adventurers Spain's laws defied, 

And to annex Cuba to this country tried. 

But in the attempt they met with defeat 

And Lopez, the leader, was doomed death to meet. 

Politics 

The Whigs and the Democrats both, with a will, 
Declared they stood by the Omnibus Bill. 
The free-soil party came forward once more, 
Outspoken against it, the same as before. 
The Democrats won, so the people said. 
And put Franklin Pierce at the nation's head. 

PIERCE'S ADMINISTRATION (1853-1857) 

When Stephen A. Douglas to Congress brought 

His bill, advocating state rights, 
The compromise of eighteen fifty it ignored. 

And great opposition excites. 
It became a law, and the struggle went 

From Congress to Kansas, and then, 
A fierce contest arose between the pros 

And the anti-slavery men. 

The former was anxious to get the state 

For slaves, and the other for free. 
Each party sent armed emigrants to the place, 

And civil war followed, you see. 
Armed men from Missouri possession took 

Of the polls, and elections controlled; 
Houses were pillaged and people were killed 

In a manner cruel and cold. 



136 



IN RHYME 

With Mexico 

Now after our treaty with Mexico 

A dispute rose over the line 
Which was dividing their country from ours, 

Our boundary to define. 
In order to gain satisfaction for all 

Gagsden a good settlement made; 
And ten million dollars, to settle things right, 

Our country to Mexico paid. 

Japan 

By Commodore Perry a treaty was made 

With Japan, in eighteen fifty-four. 
Which from that exclusive country secured. 

To our merchants, an open door. 

Politics 

The compromises were things of the past — 

These measures had met with defeat — 
The slavery question the issue became. 

With party lines forming to meet. 
The Whig party ceased at this time to exist — 

The Republican party began 
Of people opposed to slavery's spread, 

And John C. Freemont was their man. 
The Democrat party, retaining its power 

At the head of the government. 
Chose James Buchanan as their nominee, 

And elected him president. 

BUCHANAN'S ADMINISTRATION (1857-1861) 

The Supreme Court of the United States, 
Through Taney, was known to declare 

That slave-owners, without losing their rights, 
Might carry their slaves anywhere. 



137 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 

And, as this was considered at the north, 

The last barrier was removed 
To the extension of slavery, and 

A national curse it had proved. 

At the south it was looked upon as a right, 

And also as a guarantee. 
Which our constitution gave unto all, 

Protection of their property. 
The fugitive slave law was fuel strong, 

To the already heated flame, 
And the subject of slavery now absorbed 

All others, of whatever name. 

Every good citizen should, by this law. 

In arresting fugitives aid; 
But disturbances rose, whenever attempts 

To restore runaways were made. 
And several of the Northern States next 

Passed Personal Liberty bills. 
Giving to the fugitive slaves, the right 

Which trial by jury fulfills. 

John Brown had brooded on all the scenes 

He'd witnessed for slavery's sake. 
Until he had felt himself called upon 

The law in his own hands to take; 
He seized the United States arsenal 

At Harper's Ferry, and from here 
He freedom proclaimed for all of the slaves, 

Who lived in the country near. 

United States troops soon compelled his band, 
So feeble, to lay their arms down. 

And the incident was finished quite soon, 
By the execution of Brown. 



138 



IN RHYME 

Although it was known, in his wild design, 
That Brown had asked council of none, 

The Southerners thought it significant, and 
Excitement to frenzy had grown. 

Election again, and the issue yet 

On questions of slavery stayed. 
And the Democrats divided at last, 

And two nominations they made. 
There was Stephen A. Douglas, who favored still 

His squatter sovereignty; 
And Breckinridge claimed that slaves you should take 

Into any territory. 

The Republican party chose Lincoln, 

And he held, that while slavery 
Should be protected in states where it was. 

Should not go to states that were free. 
And now in this election it was 

The Republicans' time to rejoice; 
For Abraham Lincoln had proved to all 

That he was the people's choice. 

The Southern leaders, all through the campaign, 

Had threatened that they would secede. 
If Abraham Lincoln elected should be. 

And now were preparing with speed. 
For they vowed it was time a country to leave 

When it had gone into the hands 
Of those who were their avowed enemies, 

A treatment they never would stand. 

Since the days of Calhoun they had firmly believed 

A state should at once be released 
From allegiance to the government. 

And withdraw whenever it pleased. 



139 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 

In December of eighteen and sixty 

South Carolina led the way, 
And Mississippi soon after it came, 

And the next one was Florida. 
Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana 

And Texas, the ordinance passed. 
These states had done just as they said they would 

For they had seceded at last. 

The next February their delegates met 

And formed a new government, called 
The Confederate States of America; 

(And this act the country appalled.) 
And Jefferson Davis was president 

Of this government, that was new; 
For whatever the Southern leaders planned. 

They always made haste to do. 
They seized all the forts and the arsenals, 

That within their possessions lay. 
And likewise the custom houses and ships, 

They seized in the very same way. 

Buchanan did nothing to stop these things; 

The regular army was small; 
The navy to distant ports had been sent 

And so was beyond his recall. 
Unsuccessful attempts at a compromise 

Quite often would somebody try; 
No one suspected that there would be war, 

And " No coercion," was the cry. 

Major Anderson in Fort Moultrie had been, 
But had crossed to Fort Sumter, where 

He a much stronger position had gained, 
And our flag he had kept flying there. 



140 



IN RHYME 

South Carolina was on the alert, 

And she to this move objected; 
Took possession of the remaining forts 

And batteries she erected. 

Anderson, by his instructions, remained 

A spectator to the attack; 
A steamer, unarmed, with supplies for the fort, 

Was fired upon and driven back. 
The Southern leaders in earnest declared 

That any attempt to relieve 
Fort Sumter would be declaration of war, 

And treatment as such would receive. 



STATES ADMITTED 

Champlain discovered and explored Vermont, 

In sixteen hundred and nine. 
And under the constitution it was 

The first state to get in line. 
Came into the Union on March the fourth. 

In seventeen ninety-one; 
Was named from its principal mountain range; 

Its first settlement was begun 
At the present town of Brattleborough, 

In seventeen twenty-four. 
Where Fort Drummer was built, and the name 

Of " New Hampshire Grants " it bore. 
Was claimed by New York and New Hampshire both, 

But in seventeen seventy-seven 
As an independent state was declared 

And another name was given. 
" New Connecticut, alias Vermont." 

New York relinquished her claim. 
Which was valued at thirty thousand dollars. 

And she received pay for the same. 



141 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 

KENTUCKY 

In seventeen hundred ninety-two, 
Kentucky stepped the doorway through, 
Her place among the states had found; 
Her name of "dark and bloody ground" 
Originated from the fights 
Between the Indians and whites. 
Now Daniel Boon, a hunter good, 
For two years rambled through the wood, 
Delighted with the scenery. 
And with the game that he could see. 
Adventures many he passed through. 
Hair breadth escapes from Indians, too. 
He built the Fort of Boonsborough; 
Protection from the Indian foe. 
Removed his family there quite soon. 
In seventy-five, the month of June. 
And this was the first settlement, 
Which to Kentucky had been sent. 
This land was in the forest's heart 
And of Virginia was a part, 
And not till ninety did the state 
From old Virginia separate. 



TENNESSEE 

In seventeen hundred ninety-six, 

As June would just begin, 
Young Tennessee knocked at the door 

And was invited in. 
Named for the river Tennessee, 

One with the bend so great. 
The settlement at London was 

The first one in the state. 

142 



IN RHYME 

This was in seventeen fifty-six, 

And thirty miles away 
From this small settlement and fort, 

The site of Knoxville lay. 
And twenty-four years after this, 

Across the mountains come 
James Robertson and people, who 

At Nashville made a home. 
North Carolina now gave up 

Her claim on all these lands. 
And with Kentucky the next year 

Did Tennessee join hands. 

OHIO 

Ohio, the seventeenth state. 

Next into the Union came — 
Eighteen hundred two was the date — 

And Ohio received its name 
From its principal river, too. 

The " beautiful river," it meant. 
Was explored when La Salle came through, 

And he by the French was sent. 
But the first settlement was made 

In seventeen eighty-eight. 
This land in the Northwest* laid, 

And Ohio was the first state. 

LOUISIANA 

Louisiana, admitted on April the eighth. 

Eighteen hundred twelve was the date. 
In honor of Louis XIV it was named. 

And it was the eighteenth state. 
The Mississippi was explored to the sea, 

By French, in sixteen eighty-two. 
But seventeen years had passed o'er the land 

Before the first settlement grew. 



*The Northwestern Territory 

143 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 

By Iberville was this settlement made 

At Biloxi, near to its mouth. 
New Orleans was founded, seventeen nineteen, 

On this river far to the south. 
The territory was ceded to Spain 

In seventeen and sixty-three. 
But in eighteen hundred went back to France, 

As, if you will read, you can see. 

And when the United States purchased it, 

Of the land in the north and the west 
Spain occupied some small portions of it, 

And Louisiana owned the rest. 
This region was later divided in two — 

To the north and the south they lay — 
The territory of Orleans, at the south. 

To the gulf extended away. 
At the north the district of Louisiana 

The country was called, which remained. 
This changed to Missouri, but the south part 

The name Louisiana retained. 



INDIANA 

The nineteenth state to come into the fold 

Was Indiana, as we have been told. 

In eighteen sixteen her statehood began. 

Her name was derived from the word Indian. 

When from this territory Ohio came, 

Indiana was the remainder's name. 

In eighteen and nine it was hewn from the rest. 

The second to come from the great Northwest. 

After the Indian troubles were o'er 

Its growth was more rapid than ever before. 

And its population, in ten years, went 

To an increase of five hundred per cent. 



144 



IN RHYME 



MISSISSIPPI 

This state in eighteen seventeen 

Into the Union came. 
From the " Great Father of Waters " 

The state received its name. 
De Soto was the first white man 

To come into this land. 
In seventeen hundred Chevalier 

De Tanty, with a band 
Of French Canadians, went up 

To the Natchez country, 
A site for a fort selected 

And named it Rosalie. 
And the St. Peters settlement 

Was made in seventeen three. 

The Indians began a war 

In seventeen twenty-eight, 
And every trace of civil life 

They swept from out the state. 
And, with the governors from France, 

Fierce bloody wars there raged, 
By the Natchez and Chickasaws, 

And Choctaw Indians waged. 
In seventeen hundred sixty-three 

This to the British came, 
So they made it part of Georgia 

And called it by that name. 
The territory was organized 

In seventeen ninety-eight, 
And lands were added to it 

To make the present state, 
Which included Alabama, 

Till the two should separate. 

145 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 

ILLINOIS 

Illinois was admitted, December the third, 

In eighteen and eighteen again. 
From its principal river received its name; 

Its meaning, the " River of Men." 
Its first settlements were made by La Salle, 

But for settlements it would lack 
By hostility of the Indians, who 

The people would often attack. 
The massacre in eighteen hundred twelve 

At Fort Dearborn (now Chicago), 
And the Black Hawk war, for the pioneer, 

Were some of his dangers and woe. 
After Ohio, and Indiana, 

And Michigan, all of the three 
Came from the Northwest, the balance was named 

The Illinois Territory. 
The state's prosperity dates from the year 

That large grants of land had been made 
To the Central Railroad, and the wilderness 

Soon had towns and cities and trade. 

ALABAMA 

Alabama, in eighteen and nineteen. 

Was admitted at its request. 
Its name is of Indian origin 

And its meaning is " Here we rest." 
This state at one time with Georgia belonged. 

As we before this date have seen. 
It was Jackson ended the fierce contests 

The Indians and whites between. 

First settlement was in seventeen two, 

On Mobile Bay, by Bienville, 
And in nine years more was occupied 

The present site of Mobile. 



146 



IN RHYME 

When the French colonized Louisiana 

This was the original seat, 
And continued for many years, the needs 

Of the capital city to meet. 
This once had been ceded to England, 

And then had been ceded to Spain; 
Surrendered to General Wilkinson, 

And became thus our nation's gain. 

MISSOURI 

Missouri, admitted in twenty-one, 

The nation's twenty-fourth daughter. 
From its greatest river received its name. 

Which signifies " Muddy Water." 
And its oldest town was St. Genevieve, 

It was founded in fifty-five. 
St. Louis was settled in nine years more, 

But not very fast did it thrive. 
Incorporated in eighteen and nine; 

First newspaper published in eight. 
The first steamboat to arrive at its wharf. 

Was in nine years after this date. 
And when Louisiana a state became, 

Old Missouri was given its name. 

ARKANSAS 

June, eighteen thirty-six, there was one state more, 

Arkansas bowed and came in at the door. 

From a tribe of Indians it took its name; 

A tribe which, long ago, extinct became. 

The French discovered and settled the land. 

Guided by Chevalier de Tonty's hand. 

It followed the rest of Louisiana's fate 

And when Missouri became a state 

Arkansas, with its present boundary. 

Held part of Indian Territory. 



147 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 



MICHIGAN 

To Michigan upon this date 

The title, state, was given. 
On January twenty-sixth. 

In eighteen thirty-seven. 
Its name, of Indian origin. 

In English, " Great Lake " meant. 
And to its wilds in early days 

The missionaries went. 
To found Detroit in seventeen one, 

Cadillac had the glory. 
This region was, at first, a part 

Of Northwest Territory. 
As part of Indiana, too, 

Did Michigan survive; 
Was organized as separate 

In eighteen hundred five. 

FLORIDA 

Florida entered upon March the third, 

Eighteen forty-five was the date. 
The number to twenty-seven had grown. 

When this one become a state. 
The Spanish word, " Florida," means to bloom. 

As we already have seen. 
We also have learned the first settlement 

Was made at St. Augustine. 

TEXAS 

Texas, the twenty-eighth state to come in. 

Entered eighteen forty-five; 
Explored by De Leon and La Salle, 

When these men for glory would strive. 



148 



IN RHYME 

La Salle was intending a French settlement 
On the " Father of Waters " to lay. 

But quite unaware, he sailed by its mouth. 
Landing at Matagorda Bay. 

On the Lavaca St. Louis he built, 
The Spanish, next trying their hands. 

Establishing missions at various points. 
But failing to settle the lands. 

And the region was mainly populated 
By roving Indian bands. 

Galveston nearly deserted had been. 
When eighteen and twenty arrived. 

Those who were too poor the country to leave 
Were the only ones who had survived. 

Then from Mexico a large grant of land 

Was by Moses Austin obtained; 
And the most of that country's settlers 

Were from the United States gained. 
By acts of oppression, from Mexico, 

The people were forced to declare 
Their independence, and fight for it, too, 

The same as they do anywhere. 
When Santa Anna was conquered at last, 

After many hard battles were fought. 
Eighteen thirty-seven, Texas as a state, 

Admission to this country sought. 

IOWA 

Iowa did as a new state appear, 

Eighteen forty-six, the last of the year, 

And the meaning of Iowa's queer name. 

Is " Drowsy Ones," and from the Indian came. 

Julien Dubuque, in seventeen eighty-eight, 

A large tract of land acquired in this state. 



149 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 

On Dubuque's present site he built a fort; then 
With the Indians traded till eighteen and ten. 
And the permanent settlement chanced to be 
At Burlington, in eighteen thirty-three, 
By Illinois emigrants on the frontier. 
And Dubuque was founded in that same year, 
But in the year of eighteen thirty-eight, 
A territory it was formed separate. 

WISCONSIN 

Wisconsin came in as the thirtieth state. 

On May twenty-ninth, eighteen forty-eight. 

Its name is derived from its principal stream 

" The gathering of the waters " doth mean. 

The traders, and French missionaries divine, 

Explored here as early as sixteen thirty-nine. 

In seventeen hundred and forty-five 

Green Bay was founded and started to thrive. 

Wisconsin was organized separate. 

In eighteen thirty-six as the present state, 

CALIFORNIA 

In eighteen hundred and fifty 

Another state begun; 
California was admitted. 

And numbered thirty-one. 
The Spaniards founded missions 

Along our western line, 
And one was San Diego, 

In seventeen sixty-nine. 

And they soon had eighteen missions, 

And many converts made; 
In the hands of the Franciscan monks 

The government then laid. 



150 



IN RHYME 

The Mexican revolution, 

In eighteen twenty-two, 
The power in California, of 

The Spanish overthrew. 

And soon after the Franciscans 

Were stripped of power and wealth; 
And many folk went to that land 

Of sunshine and good health. 
When war with Mexico ended, 

The treaty, at its close. 
Gave us upper California, 

Which had been Mexico's. 



MINNESOTA 

Minnesota became a state 

In eighteen hundred fifty-eight. 

Its greatest stream the name implied, 

And " Cloudy Water " signified. 

La Salle and Hennepin, in the year 

Of sixteen eighty, landed here. 

Fort Snelling was founded first of all- 

Eighteen nineteen — and in St. Paul 

The first building, in thirty-eight. 

Went up to start that city great. 

The territory, large and fine. 

Was organized in forty-nine. 

Its population was but small. 

About five thousand souls in all, 

Of whites and halfbreeds, at the most. 

Near missions or some trading post. 



151 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 



OREGON 

Oregon to the Union came 

In fifty-nine. Its Spanish name 

From the wild marjorane, which grew 

Abundantly the country through. 

Captain Gray, who was cruising round, 

In ninety-two, a river found. 

And when he entered to explore, 

Gave it the name* his vessel bore. 

And Jefferson, in eighteen four, 

Sent Clark and Lewis to explore 

That country and they took their course 

Along Missouri to its source; 

And when they reached the great divide, 

Descended on the other side. 

And their long journey to the sea. 

Makes most romantic history. 

Then soon began a large fur trade. 

And Fort Astoria was made. 

A territory separate 

Was made in eighteen forty-eight. 



KANSAS 

Kansas, in eighteen sixty-one 

Entered as other states had done. 

The name, of Indian origin, 

" Smoky Water," is said to mean. 

When Louisiana and the rest 

Of states were taken from the west, 

The country organized once more, 

By act of eighteen fifty-four. 

♦Columbia 

152 



IN RHYME 



LINCOLN'S ADMINISTRATION (1861-65) 

And now the land was darkening 

With war clouds hung above, 
And all was hate and turmoil, 

Where should be peace and love. 
Instead of striving, all for peace, 

Each party strove for power, 
While nearer to the vortex they 

Were drifting every hour. 

Of all the wars that ever could 

Our country dear befall, 
This one, between the North and South, 

Was saddest of them all. 
For desolation and for grief, 

Far worse than flood or fire; 
When brother against brother fought. 

The son against his sire. 

As rumors were out that there was a plan 

To assassinate him, when his term began, 

The future president thought it was wise, 

To go to the capital in a disguise. 

He was inaugurated in Washington 

On the fourth day of March, eighteen sixty-one, 

Surrounded by troops, under General Scott, 

To see that his enemies harmed him not. 

All was uncertainty over the land; 

Officers daily resigning command 

In army and navy, and linking their fate 

With the Southern cause, in some Southern state. 

But still in the south was a strong sentiment 

To keep the Union and one government. 

And prominent men in both sections thought 

There would be no war and peace would be brought. 



153 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 

The Federal officers feared to act, 

Lest they should make, what now threatened, a fact. 

To this indecision, in striking contrast. 

The Confederate government moved very fast. 

They were gathering troops and money in haste — 

To prepare for war no time did they waste. 

And now to the South supplies would be sent 
To relieve Fort Sumter, by the government. 
When General Beauregard heard the report 
He asked Anderson to surrender the fort. 
And on his refusal war had begun. 
On April the twelfth, eighteen sixty-one. 
For thirty-four hours did the battle abide. 
But no one was injured upon either side. 

The barracks were burning from shells that were fired; 

The garrison, blinded and choked and tired. 

Were forced to capitulate at the last; 

And when the long bloodless battle was past. 

With honors of war were allowed to depart. 

Saluting their flag before they should start. 

Excitement was rife through the country wide. 

The North and the South were each unified. 

Everywhere swept the war spirit's flame; 
Party lines vanished whenever it came; 
And the Union men of the South, now went 
Into secession with their government. 
While at the North, both parties combined. 
To support the Union they had but one mind. 
Seventy-five thousand troops Lincoln asked for in all. 
And four times that number answered his call. 

The banner which floats o'er the " land of the free," 

The symbol of national unity. 

The American flag was being unfurled 

All over the North and was watched by the world. 



154 



IN RHYME 

At the South was the same enthusiasm, 

Virginia had to the Confederacy come. 

Arkansas, Carolina and Tennessee 

Had followed her lead and declared themselves free. 

Virginia proceeded to do as she pleased, 
And soon the United States armory seized 
At Harper's Ferry — and Richmond was the 
Strong capital of the Confederacy. 
Many troops were into Virginia run. 
And threatened the city of Washington; 
And the fifth Massachusetts regiment. 
To defend the national capital sent. 

Was attacked on the streets of Baltimore 

And several men were killed. As before, 

The first blood that was shed when the war begun, 

Was on April nineteenth, as at Lexington. 

Arlington Heights and Alexandria 

Were seized by the Union troops in May. 

Thus they could keep the Confederates back, 

And Washington City be safe from attack. 

Under General Butler, Fort Monroe 
Was garrisoned strong, to resist the foe. 
An expedition 'gainst Big Bethel one day 
Soon after, was mismanaged in a queer way. 
The troops at each other fired by mistake; 
And when the assault they came for to make, 
And made an attempt the defenses to cross. 
They were repulsed and repulsed with a loss. 

Now West Virginia with the Union stayed, 
And in a separate state it was made. 
But the Confederates held it the same. 
Till General George B. McClellan came, 



155 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 

When the Confederates were defeated 

In three battles, and from the state retreated. 

Soon afterward General Floyd, and Wise, 

Led into that region an enterprise. 

At Carnifex Ferry Floyd happened to meet 

With General Rosecrans and had to retreat. 



BATTLE OF BULL RUN (July 21, 1861) 

At the North excitement was running high, 
And soon "On to Richmond" became the cry. 
Irvin McDowell was then in command 
Of the army of the Potomac, and 
On July twenty-first, eighteen sixty-one, 
Beauregard's army attacked at Bull Run. 
And he forced the Confederates to yield, 
Until he had driven them from the field. 

But General Jackson, and others near, 

Rallied them on a plateau in the rear. 

While the Federal troops were struggling in vain 

To drive them away, this position to gain. 

At the battle's crisis two more brigades 

Under Kirby Smith and Early, as aids. 

From Manassas rushed with all of their rank, 

And poured a cross-fire in the Union flank. 

McDowell's men fled in a panic of fear. 

And as they converged toward the bridge in the rear. 

Among the teamsters a shell dropped and burst. 

And the panic was wilder yet than at first. 

Cannon were left, traces were cut, and alas! 

The horsemen plunged through the struggling mass, 

And many a soldier threw down his gun 

And never stopped till he had reached Washington. 



156 



IN RHYME 

The folks at the North were chagrined at first, 

To think in the battle they'd gotten the worst, 

And then, with determination renewed, 

They saw that the South could not be subdued 

Without a fierce struggle, the war to decide, 

Americans all, with American pride. 

And Congress voted money and soldiers again; 

Five hundred million dollars, five hundred thousand men. 

McClellan, upon whom all eyes were turned. 
Since of his success in Virginia they'd learned, 
Received the appointment, and now took in hand, 
The Army of the Potomac's command. 

The Federal soldiers a battle lost. 

When at Ball's Bluff the Potomac they crossed; 

Here they were assailed and forced to go 

Down the slippery bluff to the river below. 

The old boat they came in soon went to the ground, 

And in the excitement full many were drowned; 

And some were wounded and helpless they sank, 

But half of them reached the opposite bank. 

WAR IN MISSOURI (1861) 

This state largely stood in the Union class. 

And did not the secession ordinance pass. 

But Governor Jackson made an effort strong, 

An armed neutrality yet to prolong. 

By Captain Lyons this attempt was foiled; 

He broke up Camp Jackson, and also toiled 

The United States arsenal to save. 

And this he accomplished, because he was brave. 

He made Marmaduke from Boonville retreat; 
But Sigel, at Carthage, had met with defeat, 
And Lyon, now general, found he must fight 
Both Price and McCuUock, or else make a flight. 



157 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 

The former he chose, and himself at the head 
Of five thousand men, the attack he led 
On a force at Wilson Creek twice as large, 
And fell bravely leading a bayonet charge. 

His men were defeated and Mulligan 

Was forced to surrender at Lexington. 

Then Freemont took charge, and making Price yield, 

Had driven him south, as far as Springfield. 

When preparing for battle he was replaced 

By Hunter, who then this journey retraced 

Back to St. Louis, and there he gave o'er 

The command to Halleck, and now, once more, 

Price to the south was forced to withdraw, 

Followed by Halleck into Arkansas. 

Jefferson Davis the first of the year 

Said he would commission each privateer. 

And this was the answer which Lincoln made: 

On the southern ports he declared a blockade. 

The military expeditions were two, 

Which joined with the navy their duty to do. 

The first expedition captured the forts 

At Hatteras Inlet (North Carolina ports). 

The next enterprise, under Dupont's command, 

With General Sherman to aid on the land. 

Took Forts at Port Royal, Carolina (South) 

And Tybee Island, at the Savannah's mouth. 

THE TRENT AFFAIR 

It was acknowledged by England and France 

That the Southern states were belligerents. 

The South, having hopes of those countries' aid, 

Mason and Slidell by appointment were made 

Their commissioners to those countries two. 

And the blockading squadron they escaped through, 

158 



IN RHYME 

And as to reach England was their intent, 
Took passage on the British steamer, Trent. 
But Captain Wilks followed the vessel's track. 
Took off the Confederates and brought them back. 
A tumult in England did this act incite; 
The United States government making it right 
By denying the act without a delay, 
And returning the prisoners right away. 



1862 

For the year of eighteen and sixty-two 

The Northern army had three objects in view. 

They would open the Mississippi wide 

And would blockade the Southern ports, beside 

The city of Richmond intended to take, 

And hoped that an end of the war it would make. 



IN THE WEST 

General Grant, with his army of blue. 

And Commodore Foote, with his gunboats true, 

Moved upon Fort Henry, and by the power 

Of the gunboats, reduced the place in an hour. 

The land troops were to cut off the retreat. 

But did not with the Confederates meet. 

Who now to Fort Donelson quickly went. 

But both Grant and Foote, to capture them meant. 

To the Ohio the fleet then went back, 

Ascending the Cumberland to the attack 

On Fort Donelson, while Grant with his band 

Marched on to co-operate on the land. 

The fire from the fort repulsed them, and more, 

It seriously wounded the Commodore. 



159 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 

But General Grant reinforced had been, 
Till his army held thirty thousand men. 
He defeated the Southerners on a start 
To cut their way out, and captured a part 
Of their intrenchments, and when he begun 
The final assault, the battle was won. 

Nashville was now occupied by Buell 

While back to Corinth the Confederates fell. 

This was the great railroad center for the 

States of Mississippi and Tennessee. 

Their forces here gathered for service hard. 

Under Generals Johnston* and Beauregard. 

And the Union army, with Grant commanding, 

Ascended the river to Pittsburg Landing. 

While General Buell was taking heed 

To reinforce him, if there should be need. 

And the next enterprise which Grant's army showed 

Was to capture the Memphis and Charleston railroad. 

BATTLE OF SHILOH (April 6-7) 

The Confederates determined to strive 

To rout Grant's army ere Buell could arrive. 

So on Sunday morning, at dawn of the day, 

They moved out from the woods in battle array, 

And suddenly on the Union camps fell. 

In the battle which followed both sides fought well. 

For there was the Southern daring and dash. 

With Northern determination to clash. 

The Federals yielded, but for twelve hours they 
Bravely disputed each inch of the way; 
From the cup of defeat were about to drink. 
For they were now pushed to the river'st brink. 



^''Albert Sidney Johnston 
.tTennessee River 



160 



IN RHYME 

Grant gathered around his artillery band 
The fragments of regiments for the last stand. 
The Confederates, to meet them, must cross 
A deep ravine of mud, water and moss. 

They melted away under fire from their foe. 
The cannon above and the gunboats below. 
But few of them reached to the other side 
And already stayed was the battle's tide. 
When Buell's advance came into the fray 
The Confederates were forced to give way. 
They possessed, however, as we can see. 
The substantial fruits of the victory. 

Three thousand prisoners lay at their doors; 
Thirty flags captured and abundant stores. 
The Union camp they could count to their gain, 
But General Johnston, their leader, was slain. 
And Buell, success for the Union insured, 
Fresh troops on the wearied Confederates poured; 
Beauregard, resisting, was borne to defeat. 
But to Corinth, in order, he made his retreat. 

General Halleck then followed his course, 
And, as Beauregard was outnumbered in force, 
He went with his army from Corinth away. 
And Halleck moved in on the last of May. 



ISLAND NO. 10 

The Confederates left Columbus and then 
They fell back to the Island number ten. 
Where they were bombarded for three weeks long 
By Commodore Foote, with his gunboats strong; 
But with little effect until General Pope, 
Who was courageous and full of hope, 



161 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 

In a rainstorm crossing the river wide, 
The batteries took on the opposite side. 
And when he prepared to attack in the rear. 
The army surrendered with everything here. 
On April the seventh, the very day 
Of the conflict at Shiloh, so far away. 

When the great struggle at Shiloh was past, 

The efifects of the battle followed fast. 

The Union gunboats moved down to defeat, 

On May tenth, the ironclad Confederate fleet. 

Corinth was abandoned. Fort Pillow the same; 

The gunboats proceeded and to Memphis came; 

Destroyed the Confederate flotilla there, 

And possession took of that city fair. 

The Memphis and Charleston railroad was secured, 

And from the Confederacy they had lured 

Kentucky and Western Tennessee, too; 

And part was accomplished that they had in view. 

The Union army now had the line clear 

From Memphis through Corinth and coming near 

To Chattanooga, whence, by Buell led, 

His troops were steadily pushing ahead. 

We will note the effort the Southerners make 

Through this strong line of investment to break — 

For they were gathered, this hard task to do, 

At Holly Springs and at luka, too. 

Where Price and Van Dorn their strength were to prove, 

But from Chattanooga Bragg made the first move. 

He, by rapid marches, toward Louisville ran, 

But General Buell soon found out his plan, 

And to the Ohio a race now they led. 

And Buell came out just one day ahead. 

His army was reinforced before long, 

And now numbered one hundred thousand strong. 



162 



IN RHYME 

Bragg, falling back, Buell followed him slow, 
Thus over the country they marched to and fro. 
On October eighth, at Perryville caught, 
Bragg fiercely turned and a battle was fought. 
But he, in the darkness, escaped with his throng. 
Though his wagon train was forty miles long. 

(Sept. 19) BATTLES OF lUKA AND CORINTH (Oct. 4) 

All of Grant's veterans, whom he could spare, 
Had gone north to help Buell's army there. 
Price and Van Dorn, the advantage thus met. 
Maneuvered, possession of Corinth to get. 
Grant thought he could capture Price, and then would 
Get back to Corinth before Van Dorn could 
Reach it from Holly Springs, ordered Rosecrans 
To move on luka, and then he began. 

But, through some mistake, Rosecrans failed to meet 

And occupy Price's line of retreat. 

Price escaped, after a fight, on the morn 

Of September nineteenth, and joining Van Dorn, 

On Rosecrans, at Corinth, they opened a fight — 

Were defeated and made a forty mile flight. 

BATTLE OF MURFREESBORO (Dec. 31-Jan. 2) 

When Rosecrans of Buell's army took charge 

At Nashville, he gathered his forces so large 

And marched to meet Bragg, who was going forth 

On a second grand expedition north. 

At Murfreesboro, with no time to rest. 

Both formed the same plans for the coming contest. 

As the Union left crossed the river Stone 

To attack the Confederate right, alone, 

The strong Confederate left, in the fight, 

Fell heavily on the weak Union right. 



163 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 

But General Sheridan still was there, 

And by his consummate valor and care, 

Held the ground till Rosecrans his left could recall, 

His batteries replant, and into line fall. 

Upon this fresh front Bragg made his assault 

Four times, but each time was obliged to halt. 

In two more days he attacked them again. 

But made his retreat when he found it in vain. 

This battle was one of the bloodiest waged. 

The loss was one-fourth of the number engaged. 

FIRST VICKSBURG EXPEDITION 

While Rosecrans was repelling Bragg's advance. 
Grant thought against Vicksburg he'd take a chance, 
And while he along the railroad would move, 
Sherman would come down from Memphis above. 
With the gunboats under Porter's command — 
But the plan was spoiled, by Van Dorn and his band 
For Van Dorn a bold cavalry charge had made, 
And destroyed Grant's supplies at Holly Springs laid. 
But Sherman pushed on up the river Yazoo, 
And, above Vicksburg, attacked a Bayou. 
But this attack met with a bloody defeat. 
And, learning of Grant's loss, he made a retreat. 

IN MISSOURI (1862) 

Now Curtis forced Price again to withdraw 

Out of Missouri, into Arkansas. 

The Confederates had increased their war band 

To twenty thousand. Van Dorn in command. 

That general met with a total defeat 

At Pea Ridge, when Curtis he happened to meet. 

During the rest of the war, from this date, 

No important battles were fought in this state. 



164 



IN RHYME 



CAPTURE OF NEW ORLEANS (April 25, 1862) 

General Farragut proceeded that spring, 

With a fleet of forty vessels, to bring 

A large enough force to, by any means. 

Accomplish the capture of New Orleans. 

The mortar-boats anchored along the bank, 

Hid under the bushes so green and rank; 

Into Fort Jackson and Fort Philip, too, 

Thirteen-inch shells for six days and nights threw, 

And, as the history of that battle tells, 

In all sixteen thousand eight hundred shells. 

Then Farragut made a resolve so bold, 

To carry the fleet right past the stronghold, 

Where, supported on hulks, a chain was disposed 

Across the river, and the channel thus closed. 

An opening through this obstruction was split, 

The passage of the gunboats to admit. 

April twenty-fourth, at three in the morning. 

Advanced, and into the forts, without warning, 

Canister and grape they poured at short range 

And volleys received from the forts in exchange. 

After running this gauntlet of shot and shell. 

Against the Confederate fleet they fell. 

Of twelve armed steamers, including the lass, 

Louisiana, and the iron-ram Manassas. 

In the battle, in which they were employed, 

The Southern flotilla was nearly destroyed. 

The conquering fleet to New Orleans runs; 
The city lay helpless under their guns; 
The army threatened the forts in the rear. 
The city surrendered with everything near. 



165 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 

Farragut steamed up the river's tide, 
And took Baton Rouge, and Natchez beside, 
Then ran the batteries at Vicksburg, to meet 
And join with the rest of the Union fleet. 

Burnside's expedition 'gainst Roanoke made. 
An important step was, towards the blockade. 
They destroyed the ships and captured the forts. 
And all of the cities and all the sea-ports. 
Thus North Carolina's intricate strands 
Of waterways, fell into Union hands. 

Port Royal, when captured, opened the way 
To war against Georgia and Florida. 
Fernandina and Fort Clinch were taken, then 
St. Augustine, Jacksonville and Darien. 
Fort Pulaski, also, in their hands reposed. 
And thus the port of Savannah was closed. 
At the end of the year, along the sea-coast. 
The Union held nearly each city and post. 

BATTLE BETWEEN THE MERRIMAC AND MONITOR 

About noon on March eighth, there came an attack 

From the long-looked-for iron-clad Merrimac. 

For, convoyed by a fleet of vessels small, 

She steamed into Hampton Roads with them all. 

For the sloop-of-war, Cumberland, went she, 

Whose terrific broadsides glanced harmlessly 

" Like so many pease " from the Merrimac's peak. 

When she struck it square with her iron beak 

The victory went to the Merrimac's crown. 

For the Cumberland, with her crew, went down. 

Now, warned by the fate of the Cumberland, 
The captain of the frigate. Congress, planned 
To run to the shore, but the Merrimac 
Began throwing shells, from position aback. 

166 



IN RHYME 

And for the frigate there was nothing to do, 
But to surrender the ship and the crew. 
At sunset the Merrimac went away, 
Intending to come again the next day. 
Anticipating a victory complete, 
Over all the rest of the Union fleet. 
In the Federal ranks that disastrous day, 
Was dismal foreboding and blank dismay. 

That night the Monitor joined with the show. 

And prepared to meet with the giant foe. 

In the morning the Merrimac appeared, 

And straight for the ship Minnesota steered; 

But before she knew what she was about 

The small " Yankee cheese box" came darting out; 

Hurled at the monster two enormous balls. 

And thus on itself the battle it calls. 

Quite startled at this queer thing at her side, 
The great Merrimac poured in a broadside. 
But the balls rattled oflF quite harmlessly 
From the Monitor's turret, into the sea. 
Or broke in pieces and fell on the deck, 
For this little boat they could not effect. 
Between these iron ships the cannon-balls whirled 
The first battle of its kind in the world. 

Five times the Merrimac tested her speed 
To run down the Monitor, but did not succeed, 
For over its iron deck grated her snout, 
And the Monitor glided, unharmed, out. 
So her doughty foe leaving, the Merrimac, 
In disgust, to Norfolk went steaming back. 
The efifect of this conflict reached very far, 
For on this battle, hung the fate of the war. 



167 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 

THE PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN 

As Richmond was the objective point here, 

It was decided, the way to get near, 

Was that the Potomac army go down 

The river, in transports, to march on Yorktown. 

So they landed, a hundred thousand strong. 

On April the fourth, and went marching along. 

At this place Magruder, so skillful and bold, 
With his five thousand men, managed to hold 
A line of defense, thirteen miles in length. 
Which stopped McCIellan, with all of his strength. 
Heavy guns were ordered from Washington, 
And now a siege was on Yorktown begun. 
But the garrison managed to retire. 
When McCIellan was ready to open fire. 
When it was discovered what they had done. 
The Federals promptly after them run. 

BATTLE OF WILLIAMSBURG (May 5) 

Johnston, who commanded the Confederate 
Army's retreat, through Virginia state. 
At Williamsburg left a rear-guard, to gain 
Time for the passage of the baggage train. 
A fierce battle ensued and fighting Joe 
Held the contest nine hours against his foe. 
Other troops arrived on the bloody field. 
And so the Confederates had to yield. 

They moved in the night, and were followed down 
To within seven miles of Richmond town. 
And there was a panic in that town, indeed. 
The Confederate Congress adjourned with speed. 
For soon an attack it seemed there would be, 
But McCIellan made the discovery, 
A Confederate force was lying near. 
At Hanover Court House and might cost him dear. 



168 



IN RHYME 

It threatened his communications by rail 

With White House Landing and these must not fail. 

Besides, McDowell must not be delayed, 

Who was marching down to come to his aid. 

But General Porter, after a fight, 

Captured the Court House, and that part was right. 

And the army looked for McDowell each hour. 

In the coming contest they needed his power. 

But Johnston, too shrewd this thing to permit, 
Soon on a happy expedient hit. 
And he ordered Jackson a move to make, 
To threaten W^ashington City to take. 
As Jackson had been reinforced again. 
By Ewell's division of ten thousand men, 
After Banks, at Strasburg, he hurried along. 
The Union troops fled, and by exertion strong. 

Marched thirty-five miles, in a single day, 

Across the Potomac, escaping away. 

While at Washington the excitement was great. 

The President asked that each Northern state 

Would, without delay, the militia send. 

The national capital to defend. 

And Freemont and Banks an effort must make, 

With McDowell's help, bold Jackson to take. 

It was high time, ere he would be harmed. 
For this dashing leader to be alarmed. 
And so Jackson made his retreat at last, 
Burning the bridges behind as he passed. 
Freemont, at Cross Keys, had brought him to bay 
On June the eighth, but was driven away. 
Shields, at Republic, next day crossed his track. 
But over the road for five miles Shields went back. 
While Jackson escaped from the valley green, 
And burned all the bridges behind him clean. 



169 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 

The effect of this move was evident then. 

For Jackson, with but fifteen thousand men, 

Had occupied the attention, quite free. 

Of four times that number and generals three. 

McDowell's junction with McClellan was waived; 

He'd alarmed Washington and Richmond had saved. 



BATTLE OF FAIR OAKS 

On the Chickahominy Creek one day 

In that same year, on the last day of May, 

McClellan's left wing crossed over the creek. 

To camp for the night, and slumber to seek. 

But a terrible storm and a terrible flood 

Went over the swamp and the roads turned to mud; 

And the Chickahominy, roused from sleep, 

Turned into a river both broad and deep. 

Johnston saw his chance and grasped it, of course, 

And on this left wing he fell with great force. 

And at first his troops swept all before them. 

Till General Sumner, the tide to stem. 

O'er the tottering bridges his men he threw. 

In order to check the force trying to 

Seize the bridges, and thus separate 

The Union force and decide its fate. 

General Johnston was wounded severe, 

And night put a stop to the conflict drear. 

When the daylight dispersed the darkness black, 

The Confederates renewed the attack, 

But the loss of their general sealed their fate, 

And they were repulsed in disorder great. 



170 



IN RHYME 

The commander now, of the South, was Lee; 

Anxious to take the offensive was he: 

So General Stuart led off, in June, 

With a bold cavalry raid, and soon 

He seized, and he burned, the supplies that lay 

Along the railroad on the White House way; 

The Union army he circled around 

And returned to Richmond both safe and sound. 

McClellan, also, at this busy time 

Had serious thoughts of getting in line; 

And Hooker's pickets were pushed within sight 

Of the Richmond steeples, so tall and white. 

At this moment news came into the ranks 

Of the same apparition which had frightened Bank, 

Stonewall Jackson his appearance had made. 

Near Hanover Court House, and threatened a raid. 

All thoughts of moving on Richmond were laid, 

Hooker was recalled, they might need his aid. 

And McClellan resolved his " base to change," 

From the river York to the river James. 

THE SEVEN DAYS' BATTLES 

The morning McClellan decided to change. 
Before the flank movement he could arrange, 
Lee, on his left massing his strength and skill. 
On the Union right fell at Mechanicsville. 
Having repulsed this attack with a will. 
At daylight the troops retired to Gaines' Mill, 
And there, by exertions made bravely and well. 
Porter held the bridges until night fell. 

W^hen, being fired, in the river they sank. 
With his men he withdrew to the south bank. 
Lee, detecting McClellan's intended feat, 
Sent columns out on his line of retreat. 



171 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 

And Magruder struck the Federal line 

At Savage's Station, June twenty-nine. 

The troops maintained their position till night, 

And then continued the line of their flight. 

Longstreet and Hill tried to do them some harm, 
As they were marching past Frazer's Farm; 
The Union troops, worn by marching and fight. 
Collected at Malvern Hill in the night. 
And upon this plateau, so high and wide. 
With batteries planted on each sloping side, 
The broken fragments of the army laid, 
And on July first their last stand was made. 
And here Lee's advance was so fiercely met, 
That the chase was abandoned with much regret. 



THE EFFECT OF THE BATTLES 

The Union retreat was conducted with skill, 

And a victory had gained at Malvern Hill; 

The men had been brave, at whatever cost. 

And full twenty thousand men Lee had lost. 

But the siege of Richmond had not been fulfilled; 

Sixteen thousand Union men captured or killed. 

And the army was now on the James river pinned, 

Under protection which gunboats might lend. 

Large stores had been taken, or had been destroyed, 

So the Southern army a triumph enjoyed. 

The North was discouraged, as never before, 

And of troops, called for three hundred thousand more. 

The safety of Richmond having been won, 
Lee threatened to move against Washington. 
The defenses of that city began. 
Under General Pope, on the Rapidan. 



172 



IN RHYME 

McClellan was ordered his army to hand, 

At Aquia Creek, unto Pope's command; 

And Lee, who for Richmond now had no fear, 

Would try to crush Pope ere this army came near. 

Pope was held in check by the army before, 
While round his right wing went Jackson to score 
A point, and passing through Thoroughfare Gap, 
Came in from behind. Pope's army to slap. 
But the opportunity came to Pope's view. 
To cut up Lee's army while it was in two. 
He turned upon Jackson and battle began, 
But, help not arriving, he failed in his plan. 

He did not " bag " Jackson when he came in sight, 

But was forced the whole Southern army to fight. 

Upon the old battlefield of Bull Run, 

And glad to find refuge before he was done. 

The Federals lost in the brief campaign. 

And their supplies went to the enemies gain. 

The way was open to Washington's gate, 

And the capital city in peril great; 

Without a victorious army lay, 

And within was disorder and dismay. 

Lee crossed the Potomac, of victory sure. 
For an insurrection he hoped to secure. 
And now to McClellan, in haste, they restore 
Command of the Union army once more. 
He reorganized the troops and set out 
In pursuit of Lee, to chase him about. 
And learning that Lee had divided his force. 
And that but a portion now lay in his course. 
He hastened ahead, overtook them with glee. 
And passing them, into the valley went he. 



173 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 



BATTLE OF ANTIETAM (September 17, 1862) 

Lee saw his mistake and recrossed the creek, 

And sent couriers to his scattered corps seek. 

McClellan for one day delayed the attack, 

And this favored Lee for Jackson came back. 

Upon the Confederate left Hooker fell 

At dawn, while Burnside, when all things looked well. 

Was to carry the bridges and attack the right; 

And thus they were hoping to win the fight. 

Eighty thousand men to this army belong. 

The Confederates were but half that strong. 

Though the Union advance was quick and fierce. 
The defense of their foe they could not pierce. 
Hooker was wounded and swept from the field; 
Both sides reinforced, but neither would yield. 
Burnside was too late to relieve the right, 
And the battle closed with the coming of night. 
Neither side in the morning was fit for the fray, 
And Lee, unmolested, that night went away. 
And Lincoln at this time emancipates 
All of the slaves in the seceded states. 



BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG (December 13) 

Complaints were made that McClellan was slow, 
And after Lee's army much faster should go. 
So to capture Lee with the greater speed, 
Burnside must now McClellan succeed. 
And Burnside to Fredericksburg hurried down, 
To storm the works in the rear of the town. 
The Confederates were behind a stone wall 
And the Union troops could not reach them at all. 



174 



IN RHYME 

The repeated attacks were repulsed with ease; 
But not until night did the slaughter cease. 
The Federals lost twenty thousand in all, 
And half of these fell before that stone wall. 
The army went back to the city at last, 
And to their old camping ground quietly passed. 



THE SIOUX WAR (1862) 

The Northern Indians, Sioux was their name, 
Dissatisfied with the traders became, 
And with the United States government, too. 
For failing to pay them their money when due. 
And bands of warriors under Little Crow, 
And other chiefs, traveled to and fro. 

They massacred people in Minnesota, 

In Iowa also and in Dakota. 

Seven hundred people were killed by these bands, 

And thousands were driven away from their lands. 

Colonel Sibley ended this savage raid. 

And five hundred Indian prisoners made. 

At Mankato in Minnesota, they say. 

Thirty-nine red men were hanged in one day. 

1863 

The plan of the campaign of sixty-three, 
Included the taking of Tennessee. 
And the Federal army numbered about 
Twice what the Confederates mustered out. 



175 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 



THE SECOND EXPEDITION AGAINST VICKSBURG 

To open the river Grant had a task. 
And no one's permission did he stop to ask. 
His Vicksburg efforts had all been in vain 
And no advantage on the north could he gain; 
So marched down the river, upon the west side. 
And the gunboats ferried him over the tide. 
He soon met Pemberton, in battle array. 
And defeated him on the first day of May. 

As Johnston was coming to Pemberton's aid, 
A march between them, to Jackson, Grant made. 
He would hold Johnston back and Pemberton drive 
Into Vicksburg and take him when he arrived — 
He defeated Johnston, the fourteenth of May, 
Next drove Pemberton from his station away; 
And within Vicksburg he soon had him jailed, 
And on the works made two assaults, which failed. 

The Union troops threw up intrenchment lines. 
And then they dug mines, and dug countermines. 
If one of the garrison showed his head 
Above the works, he was picked off by lead. 
A hat, held above these defensive walls. 
Was pierced, in two minutes, by fifteen balls; 
And Pemberton beaten, with no place to fly, 
Surrendered the fort on the fourth of July. 

The Confederates could thus count the cost: 

Vicksburg and Jackson, and five battles lost; 

Of prisoners taken, full many a score, 

And of killed and wounded, ten thousand or more. 

Port Hudson surrendered when Vicksburg went down, 

And to General Banks delivered the town. 

The North had accomplished what they planned to do, 

In opening the Mississippi clear through. 

176 



IN RHYME 

IN TENNESSEE AND GEORGIA 

After the battle of Murfreesboro, 

Rosecrans did not, until June, further go. 

When, with a large army, he marched against Bragg, 

Who from Chattanooga now removed his flag. 

But Rosecrans pushed on determined to meet 

This man, whom he thought was in full retreat. 

Bragg's army, by reinforcements enlarged, 

Turned suddenly, and on Rosecrans they charged; 

And it seemed for a time that Bragg would not fail. 

The Union army to cut up in detail. 

But Rosecrans succeeded some order to get, 

And on Chickamauga the two armies met. 

BATTLE OF CHICKAMAUGA (September 19, 20) 

The first day no one the advantage gained, 
And thus until noon the next day it remained. 
When the Federal line was a broken thing. 
From movement of troops to help the left wing. 
And Longstreet the opportunity seized, 
And into the gap a brigade he squeezed. 
He swept from the field the center and right, 
Bearing Rosecrans himself away from the fight. 

Now if the left wing under Thomas gave out, 

The army would be in an utter rout. 

On this place all that afternoon the entire 

Confederate army centered its fire. 

But in spite of all this Thomas held fast 

Till merciful night descended at last, 

Then to Chattanooga withdrew before day, 

And five hundred prisoners took on the way. 

The Federals met with defeat in this fight, 

And within their intrenchments were bottled tight. 

Bragg held the hills which commanded the place. 

And bold famine grinned in the garrison's face. 



177 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 



BATTLE OF CHATTANOOGA (November 24) 

When Grant the command of this section took, 

Affairs soon assumed a different look. 

From the army of the Potomac came 

Hooker, with two corps, to help in the game. 

And Sherman, by forced marches, came to the fray 

From luka, two hundred miles away. 

General Thomas, first making a dash 

On Pilot Knob, seized the place in a flash. 

Then General Hooker, with troops so gay. 

Charged Lookout Mountain the following day. 

Orders were given the troops were to stop 

On Lookout Mountain when they reached the top. 

But, carried away by the battle's zest, 

They followed the enemy over the crest; 

And the people below, with excitement wrought. 

Only occasional glimpses caught 

Through the mist that over the valley ploughed, 

Of this famous " battle above the clouds." 

Hooker advanced on the south the next day. 
While on the north Sherman still pounded away. 
Grant, stationed at Orchard Knob, could now tell 
The Confederates weakened, in front, to repel 
On each of the flanks the repeated attack. 
And knew that the time had arrived to act. 
He sent Thomas' corps the center to storm, 
Take the rifle-pits, and stop and reform. 

The orders forgotten, cheering they went 
From the works at the base on up the ascent. 
Grant caught the spirit and gave the command, 
And on the whole line made a charge so grand. 
Up they went, over rocks, 'gainst powder and lead, 
The lines were all broken, the flags far ahead; 



178 



IN RHYME 

The nearer the foe, the prouder they waved, 
And each flag surrounded by groups of the brave. 
They fired not a shot, yet upward they pressed. 
And in spite of the foe surmounted the crest. 

They captured the guns with a shout, you know. 
And turned them upon the retreating foe. 
On the heights about Chattanooga that night 
Were glistening the Union campfires bright, 
That proclaimed the success to every one, 
Of Grant's most brilliant achievement done. 
For the Union had won, in this campaign. 
With possession of Chattanooga for gain. 
This post gave control of East Tennessee, 
And opened the door to the Confederacy. 

IN TENNESSEE 

Burnside into East Tennessee was sent. 
And met with success wherever he went. 
Now Jefferson Davis a visit had made 
To Bragg, while at Chattanooga he stayed; 
And seeing this place would soon captured be. 
Sent Longstreet to help defend Tennessee. 
His men were in a deplorable state; 
Hungry and ragged, and tentless their fate. 

Yet they, by this wonderful leader's skill. 

Shut Burnside's force in the works at Knoxville. 

And Grant, in his moment of victory great 

At Chattanooga, ordered now to that state, 

Sherman's torn, bleeding, barefoot troops, with their chief, 

Over one hundred miles, to Burnside's relief. 

Longstreet, this arrival to anticipate. 

Upon Burnside made an assault desperate. 

But it was repulsed, and not wishing to meet 

With Sherman, he filed from his works in retreat. 



179 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 

WAR IN THE EAST 

Chancellorsville 

At Fredericksburg, after Burnside's defeat, 
Hooker commanded, and so when Longstreet 
Had been sent away, Lee's army was known 
To be much Aveaker than was Hooker's own. 
So Hooker decided an attack to make, 
And Sedgwick was left, the intrenchments to take. 
While Hooker moved up, some miles, more or less, 
Near Chancellorsville, in the wilderness. 

Lee, trusting the woods his movements to hide. 
Took the perilous chance his force to divide; 
While a show of a fight in the front he kept, 
Jackson, by a detour of fifteen miles, crept, 
Twenty thousand strong, around to the rear, 
Then suddenly out of the forest appeared. 
And succeeded in routing the Union right. 
Hooker took a new position that night, 
But by constant assaults, that night and next day, 
Was gradually forced from the field away. 

And Chancellor House was captured by Lee, 

But, as he prepared for the final charge, he 

Received word that Sedgwick's army was near; 

Had seized Fredericksburg and was now at his rear. 

Drawing back, Lee turned against this new foe. 

And by severe fighting, compelled him to go 

Back over the river before it was dawn; 

Then went to seek Hooker, but Hooker had gone. 

And the Union army was soon to be found 

Near Fredericksburg, on its old camping ground. 



180 



IN RHYME 

LEE'S SECOND INVASION OF THE NORTH 

Lee, being encouraged by his success 
In the great battle of the wilderness, 
Determined that now he would carry, far 
In the Northern states, a successful war. 
And his terms of peace he would there dictate, 
In Philadelphia, or in New York State. 

With the finest army that ever was sent 
Forth by the Confederate government; 
The flower of her troops, in careful dress, 
Equipped and confident still of success, 
Down the Shenandoah to the beat of drum, 
Across the Potomac to Chambersburg come. 

The Union troops followed along the west side 

Of Blue Ridge and South Mountains, the thing to decide. 

Lee, fearing these troops commanded by Mead, 

Would strike through some pass and thus intercede, 

His communication with Richmond to spoil. 

Towards Baltimore turned, Mead's plans for to foil. 

BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG (July 1-3) 

First Day 

The two armies met and opened the fray. 
From Gettysburg west, on Chambersburg way. 
Reinforcements came on both sides to attack. 
But the Federal troops were soon driven back, 
And in the streets of the village small. 
Lost prisoners many beyond recall. 

The troops kept arriving all of that night 
And taking position by the moonlight, 
So in the morning they'd be at their stand. 
For the conflict was coming and close at hand. 



181 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 

Second Day 

In the afternoon Longstreet made a swing 
In a charge against the Union left wing, 
Where Sickles position took, without heed, 
In the line of battle intended for Mead. 
The Confederates, far outflanking him still, 
Swung round him and reached the top of the hill. 

But they met a brigade, which Warren had sent. 
In time to defeat this daring attempt. 
And to Cemetery Ridge, during the fight. 
Sickles was driven, but there he held tight; 
And Ewell succeeded, his task to fulfill, 
By gaining position on top of Culp's Hill. 



Third Day 

In the afternoon, at the hour of one, 

Lee opened with one hundred fifty guns. 

On Cemetery Ridge the firing propels. 

And for two hours the air was alive with shells. 

The cannonade lulled, and looking so fine, 

The Confederate double battle line 

Swept from the woods in a march that was brave. 

Though many were marching straight to the grave. 

And along the Union ranks i^an a thrill 
Of admiration, as, silently still. 
And with disciplined steadiness, onward come 
That magnificent column to beat of drum. 
Eighteen thousand men, with a courage great. 
Moved up the slope like a gray line of fate. 
A hundred guns tore great gaps in thir ranks. 
And infantry volleys smote their flanks, 



182 



IN RHYME 

But, in spite of all this, no one would lag; 

On the breastworks they planted their battle flag. 

And they bayoneted the cannoneers. 

And fought, hand to hand, with Confederate cheers. 

But from every side the Federals swarm, 

And human endurance could not stand the storm. 

Some, as prisoners, asked their enemies shield, 
Or else, panic stricken, they fled from the field. 
The Federals lost in the three days' fight, 
Twenty-three thousand, and if reports were right. 
The Confederates in the battle lost more. 
But correct reports were not given o'er. 

Mead followed Lee, who a march began. 

And position took back of the Rapidan. 

And this battle to the thought put an end. 

That into the North an army he'd send. 

For Lee's veterans, who went down in that fray, 

Could not be replaced till the judgment day. 

ON THE SEA AND COAST 

Now such was the confidence felt by all, 
In the iron-clad, 'gainst the cannon ball. 
That Admiral Dupont determined to run 
The fortifications in front of Charleston; 
And up to the city his way he would force. 
But a disastrous failure followed this course. 
General Gillmore the land troops commanded. 
And upon Morris Island he landed. 
By siege approaches. Fort Wagner was taken, 
And into rubbish, Fort Sumter was shaken. 

Then some Union sailors, from fleets near by. 
To capture Fort Sumter thought they would try. 
But up from the ruins, the garrison 
Arose like phantoms, and soon made them run. 



183 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 

1864 

In March, eighteen hundred and sixty-four, 

General Grant was promoted once more. 

Made Lieutenant-General in command 

Of all the forces in the Union land. 

Each army, no more independent would stand, 

But all move in concert, to do what Grant planned. 

The strength of the South were the armies of Lee 

In Virginia, and that of Joseph E.* 

Grant would attack Lee, and Sherman the latter, 

And both keep at work, whatever the matter. 

As Grant's army was crossing the Rapidan, 

He sat on a log and a message began 

To Sherman, to start, so the message ran. 

IN TENNESSEE AND GEORGIA 

And Sherman, with one hundred thousand men. 

Moved upon Johnston who was stationed then 

At Dalton, Georgia, with force half as large 

As Sherman commanded, to make the grand charge. 

Johnston was wise this advance to foresee. 

And a line of safe positions chose he. 

One behind another, and all of them strong. 

On the road to Atlanta a hundred miles long. 

Both armies were led by strategists bold, 

Sherman would drive Johnston to a stronghold 

And then would outflank him with consummate skill. 

And thus forced the army from hollow to hill. 

So Johnston would to a new post retreat. 

And prepare again his opponent to meet. 

And finally Johnston retired with his men 

To Atlanta's intrenchments, July the ten. 



*JoBeph E. Johnston in Georgia 

184 



IN RHYME 

"Jeff" Davis, dissatisfied and perplexed, 

Put Hood in command of his army next. 

And Hood tried three times Sherman's ranks to pierce. 

But he was repulsed with a slaughter fierce. 

Then Sherman maneuvered his army to shove 

On Hood's line of supplies, and forced him to move. 

Those four months of marching, the days and the nights, 

In its ten pitched battles and scores of small fights, 

Thirty thousand men had the Union cost; 

The Confederates thirty-five thousand lost. 

Georgia for the South was the store house tall; 

The granary, arsenal, workshop and all. 

At Atlanta, Rome and the neighboring towns, 

Manufacturies, foundries and mills were found. 

Their armies were furnished with all things from here, 

But they were cut oflF now and could not get near. 

Sherman to sweep through the Southern states would, 

But this was impossible so long as Hood 

In front of him lay, forty thousand strong. 

While Forrest's cavalry raided along 

The line of his communications, still 

On the road to Chattanooga and Nashville. 

With unconcealed joy Sherman therefore learned 

That Hood to invade Tennessee had turned. 

And relieved from his fears, he now felt free 

To prepare for his famous " march to the sea." 

BATTLE OF NASHVILLE (December 15, 16) 

In a desperate struggle Hood managed to win 

Over Scofield, and Thomas he shut within 

The works at Nashville, and there Thomas laid, 

And for quite two weeks not a move he made. 

When Thomas was fully ready to act 

He sallied out and on Hood made attack. 

And there in a terrible two days' fight, 

Drove them from their intrenchments in headlong flight. 



185 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 

And upon their heels, with a shout and song, 
The Union cavalry thundered along. 
The infantry followed closely behind, 
And the whole Confederate force we find 
(Except the rear guard, which fought till the last). 
To a rabble of fugitives changing fast. 
The object which Sherman would have attained 
When he moved on Atlanta, Thomas had gained. 
Wherever he wished now Sherman could go, 
And with little danger of meeting a foe. 



SHERMAN'S MARCH TO THE SEA 

November sixteenth, eighteen sixty-four, 
Sherman went forth on his march to the shore. 
The city of Atlanta he burned, and then 
He went marching with sixty thousand men. 
Four columns abreast they moved towards the sea, 
With a cloud of Kilpatrick's cavalry. 
And, as Sherman thought the plan would be wise. 
He sent skirmishers out the route to disguise. 
Railroads were destroyed by the wings so strong; 
They foraged the country as they passed along. 

And three hundred miles, in weeks that were five, 

Sherman marched, and at the sea had arrived. 

They had stormed McAlister, which was a fort. 

And captured Savannah, which was but sport. 

For three hundred miles that fertile country 

Was swept as desolate as could be. 

The Confederacy was severed in twain, 

And captured were their provisions and grain. 

And the hardship of war was brought home to those 

Who had hitherto been exempt from its woes. 



186 



IN RHYME 

WAR IN VIRGINIA 

Battle of the Wilderness (May 5, 6) 

And now after Grant crossed the Rapidan, 
A march through the wilderness he began. 
While columns toiled along the highway, 
Where the narrow roads through the forest lay, 
They were attacked by the army of Lee, 
And the dense woods forbade all strategy. 
And, therefore, no pomp or glory was sought; 
They simply dashed into the woods and fought. 

Soon came the patter of shots, in the shade, 
And the rattle which the musketry made. 
Then the battle's wreck streamed back from the fray. 
Bleeding, mangled forms on the stretchers lay. 
This strangest of battles, twixt Grant and Lee, 
In the gloomy shades, where no eye could see. 
Marked by shouts and volleys, which served to show 
A gain or a loss, now surged to and fro. 

The third day both armies, completely worn out, 
Did neither fighting nor moving about. 
Neither side conquered, and every one thought 
That back to the river Grant's army'd be brought. 
Grant did not think so, but gathered his rank. 
And pushed his force past the Confederate flank. 
And toward Spottsylvania Court House he went. 
To prepare for battle was his intent. 

BATTLE OF SPOTTSYLVANIA (May 8-12) 

Lee detected the movement and hurried out 
A column, the Union advance to rout. 
When General Grant reached the spot, he found 
The Confederate army gathered around, 



187 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 

And planted across the road in his face, 
Barring his progress and stopping his race. 
Five days of fighting and science applied, 
Gave no advantage upon either side. 
As Grant saw that here the fighting was vain, 
He concluded to turn Lee's right flank again. 

Lee, however, moved on the shorter slant, 

And reached the North Anna ahead of Grant, 

Who after some fighting, his flank movement gripped, 

And Lee to intrenchments of Cold Harbor slipped. 

And when, at daybreak, an assault was made. 

The Union troops in the swamp had to wade. 

Entangled in brushwood, weary and worn, 

They by the pitiless firing were torn. 

But went bravely on, though defeat was sure, 

While Lee's army lay in the works secure. 

ATTACK ON PETERSBURG 

And over the James Grant next took his course, 

And fell upon Petersburg with his force. 

But Lee was there first and their efforts defied. 

And Grant could not force the works, though he tried. 

He was therefore compelled to dig him some mines. 

And sit down in front of Confederate lines. 

And so had the siege of Richmond begun. 

But Petersburg must in the struggle be won. 

The weakened South must from this time stand forth 

Against the great resources of the North. 

Grant's plan was to constantly hammer on Lee, 

Who was the last hope of the Southern army. 

To annihilate an army was sad. 

But it was the only way that Grant had. 

And the siege of Richmond continued to thrive 

Until the campaign of eighteen sixty-five. 



188 



IN RHYME 

MINE EXPLOSION (July 30, 1864) 

Near Petersburg, in a hidden ravine, 

A mine had been dug and had not been seen. 

It was laid beneath a Confederate fort. 

And at early dawn came the loud report. 

Just eight thousand pounds of powder was fired. 

The result was all that Grant had desired. 

All of the cannon and men that were there, 

With huge chunks of earth, were thrown high in the air. 

The Federal guns at once opened fire, 

Which covered the enemy's lines entire. 

An assaulting column rushed forward, but stopped, 

And into the exploded crater they dropped. 

The Confederates from confusion rallied. 

And from every side on this place they sallied; 

They poured shot and shell on the struggling mass 

Of men, who could not from the ruined fort pass. 

To retreat, or stay, was the question then; 

Yet many jumped out of this slaughter pen, 

And in headlong flight the Union lines crossed. 

Of Federal soldiers four thousand were lost. 

Then to attack Richmond Grant made a pretense. 

And Lee moved some troops to that city's defense. 

The opportunity at once Grant seized. 

And the Weldon railroad captured with ease. 

Lee tried to recapture it, but in vain. 

The Union lines would at this point remain. 

EARLY'S RAID 

Lee threatened Washington City once more. 
To draw Grant away from their capital's door. 
General Early went marching with haste 
This oft-traveled route, with no time to waste; 



189 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 

He defeated Wallace, and soon appeared 
Before Fort Stevens, and Washington neared. 
Had he forced his marches he might, they say. 
Have captured the city, but he stopped a day. 

Reinforcements came to the government's seat 
And General Early was forced to retreat. 
But not being followed, back he soon went, 
And to Pennsylvania some cavalry sent. 
They entered Chambersburg, and failing to get 
A large sum in ransom, they wantonly set 
Fire to the village, and left it in flame, 
And back to the Shenandoah they came. 

SHERIDAN'S CAMPAIGN 

Phil Sheridan now was put in command 
Of all the troops in this part of the land. 
He defeated Early with his dashing skill 
Both at Winchester and at Fisher's Hill; 
Destroyed half of the army, and sent the rest 
Up the valley, marching their very best. 

Early was reinforced and came back 
And on Sheridan's army made an attack. 
It was in a dense fog and at early dawn. 
And Sheridan far from the camp had gone. 
'Twas at Cedar Creek the bold deed was done, 
And Sheridan's army was forced to run. 

But Sheridan met with his army's rout; 
He reformed his ranks and turned them about. 
Then assaulted the army (Confederate), 
And routed them, too, with a slaughter great. 
This campaign of a month, was one of the most 
Brilliant of all, and though Sheridan lost 
Thousands of men, he a triumph enjoyed, 
For Early's army was almost destroyed. 



190 



IN RHYME 



SHERIDAN'S RIDE 

Up from the south at break of day. 

Bringing to Winchester fresh dismay, 

The affrighted air with a shudder bore 

Like a herald in haste, to the chieftain's door. 

The terrible grumble, and rumble and roar, 

Telling the battle was on once more. 

And Sheridan twenty miles away. 

And wider still those billows of war, 

Thundered along the horizon's bar; 

And louder yet into Winchester rolled 

The roar of that red sea uncontrolled. 

Making the blood of the listener cold, 

As he thought of the stake in that fiery fray, 

And Sheridan twenty miles away. 

But there is a road from Winchester town, 

A good broad highway leading down, 

And there, through the flush of the morning light, 

A steed as black as the steeds of night. 

Was seen to pass, as with eagle flight. 

As if he knew the terrible need; 

He stretched away with utmost speed; 

Hills arose and fell; but his heart was gay. 

With Sheridan fifteen miles away. 

Still sprung from those swift hoofs, thundering south. 

The dust, like smoke from the cannon's mouth; 

Or the trail of a comet, sweeping faster and faster, 

Foreboding to traitors the doom of disaster. 

The heart of the steed, and the heart of the master 

Were beating like prisoners assaulting their walls. 

Impatient to be where the battlefield calls; 

Every nerve of the charger was strained to full play, 

With Sheridan only ten miles away. 



191 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 

Under his spurning feet the road 

Like an arrowy Alpine river flowed. 

And the landscape sped away behind 

Like an ocean flying before the wind, 

And the steed, like a bark fed with furnace ire. 

Swept on with his wild eye full of fire. 

But lo! he is nearing his heart's desire. 

He is snufiing the smoke of the roaring fray, 

With Sheridan only five miles away. 

The first that the general saw were the groups 

Of stragglers, and then the retreating troops. 

What was done? what to do? a glance told him both, 

Then striking his spurs with a terrible oath, 

He dashed down the line, 'mid a storm of huzzas, 

And the wave of retreat checked its course there, becaus( 

The sight of the master compelled it to pause. 

With foam and with dust, the black charger was gray; 

By the flash of his eye and the red nostrils' play, 

He seemed to the whole great army to say, 

" I have brought you Sheridan all the way 

From Winchester down to save the day." 

Hurrah! hurrah for Sheridan! 

Hurrah! hurrah for horse and man! 

And when their statues are placed on high. 

Under the dome of the Union sky, 

The American soldier's temple of fame; 

There with the glorious general's name, 

Be it said, in letters both bold and bright, 

" Here is the steed that saved the day, 

By carrying Sheridan into the fight. 

From Winchester, twenty miles away." 

— Thomas Buchanan Read. 



192 



IN RHYME 



RED RIVER EXPEDITION 

A naval and land expedition was led 

By General Banks up the river Red; 

To destroy the Confederate power was their hope, 

In Texas and all of that country's scope. 

The fourteenth of March Fort de Russy they took, 

And then to Shreveport, Banks began to look. 

Over rough roads the line of march led, 

Extending for some thirty miles ahead. 

And at Sabine crossroads, taking a chance. 
The Confederates attacked the advance 
With a small Bull Run retreat on the bill. 
But the Union troops rallied at Pleasant Hill; 
When the next day reinforcements came in. 
They fought them again, and this time to win. 

Then to New Orleans they marched with a vim. 
And there Banks' command was taken from him. 
The Southern army could now return thanks 
For eighteen guns they had captured from Banks, 
Besides large supplies they had gained, and then 
General Banks had lost five thousand men. 



ON THE SEA AND COAST 

Expedition Against Mobile (August 5) 

The expedition 'gainst Mobile was put 

In the hands of Admiral Farragut, 

And to oversee the battle with ease. 

In his flag ship's rigging he sat, if you please; 

The vessels together in pairs were tied. 

To hold, for protection, each two side by side. 



193 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 

Past the forts in an hour their way they had fought, 
And a battle with the iron-clads they had brought. 
They took the iron-ram Tennessee in the fight. 
And captured the others or put them to flight. 
The forts were soon after reduced by the gunners, 
And the harbor was closed to the blockade runners. 

EXPEDITION AGAINST FORT FISHER 

And the expedition 'gainst Fort Fisher planned 
Was put under Commodore Porter's command; 
With seventy vessels to take to the course. 
While General Butler led a land force. 
After a bombardment, on Christmas day, 
Butler decided no longer to stay; 
That Fisher could never be taken, so 
The army returned to Fort Monroe. 

But Commodore Porter, dissatisfied. 
Lay off the place, and another time tried. 
The same troops, with just fifteen hundred more, 
Under General Terry, would aid as before. 
Columns of soldiers, and of sailors each, 
By digging a ditch soon made out to reach 
Quite near to the fort, and then at the call 
The soldiers and sailors leaped forward all. 

And the sailors were repulsed at the first, 
But right into the fort the soldiers burst. 
And the black war spirit o'er the fort glowers, 
For the hand to hand conflict lasted for hours. 
Late at night the garrison ceased to strive, 
January fifteenth, eighteen sixty-five. 
We admire the gallant attack and hence 
The grand heroism of the defense. 
In such a victory is glory's place. 
And in such a defeat is no disgrace. 



194 



IN RHYME 

Confederate cruisers had practically 

Driven American trade from the sea. 

They were not privateers, but built in England, 

And by British seamen these vessels were manned; 

But were officered, commissioned, and sent 

Out by the Confederate government. 

And they sailed to and fro upon the track 

Of American ships, which they would attack. 

And the Alabama was noted the most. 

Of these British steamers, which left the coast. 

To know her mission England could not fail, 

And yet they continued to let her sail. 

An English captain (no matter his name) 

Now to the Azores with this vessel came. 



Other English vessels brought her arms, and then 
Brought Captain Semmes with additional men. 
He read his commission when he put to sea. 
And announced his purpose quite arrogantly. 
Over sixty vessels he took, in his pride. 
Then to Cherbourg, France, he sailed with the tide. 
A challenge from there to the Kearsarge he sent. 
It was accepted and at it they went. 

The Kearsarge maneuvered, in the attack, 
That round, and round, in a circular track. 
The poor Alabama was forced to go 
Right under the guns of her dreadful foe. 
The white flag appeared on the seventh round. 
And soon after this the vessel went down. 
They rescued a part of the crew, and the rest 
An English yacht saved, at Winslow's* request. 



^Captain of the Kearsarge. 

195 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 



THE SANITARY AND CHRISTIAN COMMISSIONS 

The commissions. Christian and Sanitary, 

Were organizations of charity. 

They were furnished by people of the North, 

And unto this war were of priceless worth. 

For the sick and the wounded, comfort they brought. 

And to the soldiers, religion they taught. 

Postage stamps, paper, and envelopes came. 

Ambulance, stretchers, and coffee the same. 

Prayer meetings, medicines, burial, too; 

All things for body or soul they would do. 

There were " homes " and " lodges " for men on sick leave, 

And any unfortunate they would receive. 

There were " feeding stations," which saved many lives. 
And " homes for the children, mothers and wives 
Of the soldiers," who came for their sick to care; 
A place to shelter them while they were there. 
On each flag-of-truce boat, all was arranged 
For comfort of prisoners, when they exchanged. 
The helpless living they clothed and fed. 
And gave Christian burial to the dead. 



POLITICAL AFFAIRS 

At the North discontent was expressed by some. 
For the debt to two billion dollars had come. 
The value of paper money, this year. 
Depreciated and hard times drew near. 
Until three dollars, almost, you must hold 
In greenbacks, to buy one dollar in gold. 
And Grant's repulse from Cold Harbor was made. 
And just at this time, too, was Early's raid. 



196 



IN RHYME 

But Abraham Lincoln they renominate. 
And George B. McClellan was the candidate 
Of the Democrats, and stood firmly for 
The maintenance of the Union and war. 
But he carried only three states of them all, 
And 'twas Lincoln who answered the people's call. 

1865 

THE SITUATION 

The plan of the campaign was simple, and 
The end of the war was clearly at hand — 
Sherman intended to make Johnston flee, 
And join in the final attack upon Lee. 
Bold Sheridan came, twenty thousand strong. 
And, in front of Petersburg, joined the throng. 
Wilson, thirteen thousand horsemen in charge, 
Rode through Alabama, and Georgia, at large. 
And at Macon held a line of retreat, 
From Virginia west, Lee's plans to defeat. 
And Stoneman, with five thousand cavalry. 
Through the Alleghanies came from Tennessee. 
In North Carolina Stoneman would wait 
For the issue in old Virginia state. 

SHERMAN'S MARCH THROUGH THE CAROLINAS 

Now Sherman had given his troops a rest, 

At Savannah, of only a month at best. 

It was early in February when 

They were put in motion to travel again. 

They never would wait for the roads to dry. 

But like a tornado they hurried by. 

They waded rivers and one battle fought. 

Where, waist deep in water, the troops were caught. 

197 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 

The front of this moving army was wide. 
It fifty miles measured from side to side. 
Cavalry and foragers swarmed on the flank, 
Before them was terror, behind was a blank. 
Columbia was captured as soon as found, 
And that night the city was burned to the ground. 
The army to Charleston next marched away, 
And it was evacuated the next day. 

And then, to protect the unfortunate land, 
They recalled Johnston to take command. 
He gathered the troops, on a desperate chance, 
And vigorously opposed Sherman's advance. 
But after engagements at Averysboro 
And Bentonville, back he was forced to go. 

While Johnston was guarding the Raleigh course, 
Sherman to Goldsboro went with his force. 
To join Scofield's army, and with him turn. 
And both join Terry, who came from New Bern. 
One hundred thousand, the three armies bold 
The flag of the Union combined to uphold. 



SIEGE OF RICHMOND 

Lee's position covered a narrow scope; 

To get out of Richmond his only hope. 

By joining with Johnston their armies might. 

Uniting their forces, prolong the fight. 

Grant was determined this thing should not be; 

Right here, to surrender, he would force Lee. 



198 



IN RHYME 

ATTACK ON FORT STEADMAN (March 25) 

Lee made up his mind Grant's line he would meet, 

In order to hide his plan of retreat. 

He made the attempt at a fearful cost; 

Three thousand of five thousand men were lost. 

To make matters worse a Union assault 

Followed this failure without a halt. 

And Grant's grip was tighter than at the start. 

Of the outer defenses they captured a part 

He had made no change in where his troops lay, 

And this neither hastened or made him delay. 

BATTLE OF FIVE FORKS (April 1) 

This movement on Wednesday morning began, 
Upon March twenty-ninth, when Sheridan 
With his cavalry, nine thousand sabers bright. 
And columns of infantry marching right, 
Went pushing his army from Grant's left wing. 
Around to Lee's rear intending to swing — 
Cloaking his plan by a cavalry screen. 
So that his infantry could not be seen. 
At Five Forks he near the Confederates drew, 
And behind their position a heavy force threw. 
He assailed the garrison, front and rear. 
And five thousand prisoners took from here. 

Early next morning, about four o'clock, 

The Union army were formed in a block; 

In an overwhelming assault advanced. 

The speed of the capture thus they enhanced. 

By noon the Confederate line so strong, 

Before which Grant's army had lain so long, 

Was broken, and Richmond, that very night. 

Was evacuated before it was light. 

And the Union troops took possession in glee 

Of the capital of the Confederacy. 



199 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 



LEE'S SURRENDER 

Lee, with the wreck of his once proud array, 

Westward from Richmond now hurried away. 

Some avenue of escape he would find; 

Grant urged the pursuit with untiring mind. 

And Sheridan's force upon Lee's flanks pressed, 

With a terrible daring which knew no rest. 

The Confederates' food now failed them complete, 

And the young shoots of trees they were forced to eat. 

If they sought but a moment in which to sleep, 

The pursuing cavalry on them would sweep. 

And for which way to turn Lee was at a loss. 

When Sheridan planted his army across 

His front, and Lee ordered a charge to be made; 

His half-starved troops, with their old courage, obeyed. 

The cavalry, moving aside, now revealed 

A sight which before they had kept concealed. 

Arranged at their back, like a pantomime. 

Dense bodies of infantry in battle line. 

The bloody battle at once was suspended, 

The advance was stopped and the war was ended. 

General Grant the surrender demanded. 

And Lee agreed, and his army disbanded. 

No more to fight for their lost government, 

They laid down their arms and homeward they went. 

As Jefferson Davis southward would go 

He was captured and sent to Fort Monroe. 

In the midst of rejoicing, when peace was new. 
Over the country the sad message flew 
Which filled all the people with grief and pain — 
That President Lincoln had foully been slain. 
While at the theater, with friends and his wife, 



200 



IN RHYME 

John Wilkes Booth had shot him and ended his life. 
The day of his funeral, which was grand, 
Was a day of mourning throughout the land. 
The route where his body was borne was the same 
As he on his journey to Washington came. 



BATTLE-HYMN OF THE REPUBLIC 

Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord; 

He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are 

stored; 
He hath loosed the fateful lightning of his terrible swift sword; 
His truth is marching on. 

I have seen Him in the watchfires of a hundred circling camps; 
They have builded Him an altar in the evening dews and damps; 
I can read His righteous sentence by the dim and flaring lamps. 
His day is marching on. 

I have read a fiery gospel writ in burnished rows of steel; 

" As ye deal with my contemners so with you My grace shall 

deal"; 
Let the Hero, born of woman, crush the serpent with his heel. 
Since God is marching on. 

He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat; 
He is sifting out the hearts of men before His judgment seat: 
Oh! be swift my soul to answer Him! be jubilant my feet! 
Our God is marching on. 

In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea, 
With a glory in His bosom that transfigures you and me; 
As He died to make men holy, let us die to make men free. 
While God is marching on. 

— Julia Ward Howe. 

201 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 

STATES ADDED— WEST VIRGINIA 

West Virginia a new state came to be, 
On June the nineteenth, eighteen sixty-three. 
For during the war it was loyal, you know, 
And so as a separate state it could go. 

NEVADA 

And the next year was added one state more, 
Nevada came in, eighteen sixty-four. 
'Twas named for the mountains which lie to the west, 
" The snow covered mountains," its meaning expressed. 

JOHNSON'S ADMINISTRATION (1865-1869) 

In three hours after Lincoln's death. 

According to the precedent, 
Johnson had quietly assumed 

The duties of the president. 
While at the closing of the war 

The army held one million men. 
Within six months they nearly all 

Had to their homes returned again. 

The largest host was ever called 

By a republic, to the strife, 
Without disturbance, had gone back 

To the pursuits of civil life. 
For other nations prophesie<J 

That we could not in peace disband, 
But the Republic proved itself 

A nation wise, and good, and grand. 

State governments were recognized. 
That had been held by martial law. 

Virginia, Louisiana, too, 

And Tennessee and Arkansas. 



202 



IN RHYME 

In other states the governor — 

Appointed by the president — 
Could call conventions when he chose, 

To form a loyal government. 

And these conventions which were called 

Repudiated when they met, 
The old secession ordinance, 

And the Confederate war debt. 
And the amendment ratified, 

Which Congress issued as a call. 
That slavery abolished, and 

Gave equal rights to one and all. 

On these conditions, Johnson claimed. 

That, as the states had never been 
Out of the Union, legally, 

Their rights should be restored to them. 
To those engaged in secession 

He made a proclamation, too, 
Of pardon, if they'd take the oath. 

And to the Union would be true. 

On Christmas day of sixty-eight — 

Most fitting time for good deeds done — 
A universal amnesty 

Was then declared for every one. 
The thirteenth amendment, also 

(The proper time had now arrived) 
Had by the states been ratified 

And adopted, in sixty-five. 

But when the Congress met that year, 

A sentiment they held so strong, 
'Gainst the views of the president, 

Which statesmen thought were very wrong. 



203 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 

They claimed that Congress had the power- 

The president had not a bit — 
To name conditions under which 

They should seceded states admit. 

His orders all were held as void; 

The Civil Rights, Freedmen's Bureau, 
And Tenure of Office bills were passed. 

Over the president's veto. 
Tennessee ratified the laws. 

And back in the Union could go; 
The provisional governments 

Of other states would not do so. 



And under military law 

These states were now put and held fast. 
And after much trouble and strife. 

Came into the Union at last. 



The increasing hostility 

'Twixt Congress and the president 
Came to an issue, when Johnson 

To use his authority went. 

To remove Edwin M. Stanton,* 

His place with another to fill. 
And this was a violation 

Of the Tenure of Office bill. 
So Congress at once got busy. 

And President Johnson impeached, 
And after a tedious trial 

The decision finally reached. 



*Secretary of War. 

204 



IN RHYME 

The president was acquitted, 

For the two-thirds majority 
Necessary to convict him 

Was lacking by one vote, you see. 
The fourteenth amendment proposed. 

And which the country must now face. 
Guaranteed civil rights unto all, 

Regardless of color or race. 

And representation was based 
On number of polls in each state. 

And this amendment was adopted 
In July, eighteen sixty-eight. 

In sixty-six the " Fenians " 

Was a secret society 
Organized to make the Irish 

From the rule of Great Britain free. 

At Buffalo and St. Albans, 

From the Canadian frontier. 
They crossed the line from Canada, 

And in large numbers they came here. 
Now this was not neutrality. 

The president declared with speed, 
And sent, to execute the law, 

A general whose name was Mead. 

Alaska from Russia was bought, 

Eighteen sixty-seven the date. 
Through efforts of William H. Seward, 

Who was secretary of state. 
Seven million dollars the price. 

With two hundred thousand more. 
For five hundred thousand square miles 

Of country that Russia turned o'er. 

205 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 

And it lies far to the northwest, 
Its climate is bleak and is cold; 

Its value is harbors and furs, 
And, of late years, great mines of gold. 

While our country was having war, 

Napoleon, Emperor of France, 
The opportunity had seized, 

His country's holdings to advance. 
Imperialists of Mexico 

Had there, by the French army's aid. 
Defeated all the liberals. 

And then an empire they had made. 

To rule them, Maximilian, 

Archduke of Austria, they chose. 
But to enforce Monroe's Doctrine 

Our government would next propose. 
The United States demanded 

Of Napoleon, the recall 
Of the French troops in Mexico, 

And this caused the empire to fall. 



ATLANTIC CABLE 

A peaceful triumph was achieved 

By science, more important far. 
Than all the diplomatic skill. 

Or all the victories of war. 
A telegraphic cable, laid 

From Ireland, at Valentia Bay, 
To Heart's Content, in Newfoundland. 

Almost two thousand miles away. 

206 



IN RHYME 



TREATY WITH CHINA (1868) 

And an embassy from China, 

Under the charge of Burlingame, 
A visit to our country made, 

First of its kind that ever came. 
With that exclusive nation 

A treaty at that time was made; 
Granting commercial privileges, 

That our country with them might trade. 



POLITICAL 

The Republican party now 

Was the first one to nominate. 
General Grant, of Illinois, 

They soon named for their candidate. 
The Democrats, for the president, 

Horatio Seymour would choose. 
With Blair, of Missouri, for vice, 

Although they were destined to lose. 

Virginia and Mississippi, 

And Texas, those three in a crowd. 
Had not been reconstructed yet, 

So to vote they were not allowed. 
General Ulysses S. Grant 

Was destined elected to be, 
The Republican candidate, 

And the people's choice was he. 



207 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 

GRANT'S ADMINISTRATION 
Union Pacific Railroad 

The year of sixty-nine was made 
Famous by this road being laid. 
It formed a union now complete. 
And made Atlantic Ocean meet 
With the Pacific, far away. 
By iron bands to last alway. 
Has made the West and East as one, 
And other great things it has done. 

PROSPERITY 

The nation recovered with speed, 
From effects of the war's dark deed. 
The price of gold fell, and the debt 
Was reduced more rapidly yet. 
The bitterness, caused by the strife, 
Was fast passing out of each life. 
And the census clearly had shown 
How the population had grown. 
While the manufacturing trade 
A double in value had made. 

DISASTERS 

A fire in Chicago broke out, 

And it did much damage, no doubt. 

On October eighth it begun, 

In eighteen and seventy-one. 

For two days it raged and it roared, 

And three thousand acres devoured. 

Twenty-five thousand buildings burned, 

Worth two hundred million, we've learned; 

And thousands of folks, young and old, 

Quite homeless were left in the cold. 

208 



IN RHYME 

Relief for the suflferers whirled 
From nearly all parts of the world. 
And during the fall of that year. 
Wide spread conflagrations appear; 
Through Wisconsin's forests they ran, 
Minnesota, and Michigan. 
With horror the country was filled, 
For thousands of people were killed. 

And next year the country was stirred 

By a fire which in Boston occurred. 

Sixty acres in ruin it laid, 

In the wholesale center of trade. 

Seventy million dollars worth 

Of property, laid to the earth. 



TREATY OF WASHINGTON 

England would not pay, at the first, 

For damages to our commerce 

By the Alabama, afloat, 

And other Confederate boats. 

A commission high, which was then 

Composed of distinguished statesmen 

And jurists, from both countries met 

At Washington, peace for to get. 

And arranged there a treaty between 
This country and Great Britain's queen. 
Which settled this question and all 
The others that they might recall. 
All danger of war was now past; 
The principal was fixed, at last. 
That disputes be settled by word 
And not every time by the sword. 

209 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 

The republic of San Domingo 
Wished to be annexed to us, so 
A commission quite eminent, 
Appointed by the president. 
To visit the island, and see 
Just what its condition might be. 
They reported it favorably, 
But Congress rejected the plea. 

POLITICAL 

The liberal Republican 
Party, for the president, ran 
Horace Greeley, a hard working man, 
The Democrats indorsed the plan. 
Grant was re-nominated then, 
And was elected once again. 

GRANT'S SECOND TERM 

The Modoc Indians, who stayed 

In Oregon, some trouble made. 

And from their reservation went, 

So troops against them had been sent. 

The savages had, therefore, fled 

To fastness of the Lava Bed. 

The peace commissioners would hope, 

To with the difficulty cope. 

A council with the chiefs they had, 
Which ended in a way quite sad. 
The Indians treacherously slew 
Canby, and Dr. Thomas, too. 
And wounded Mr. Meachem sore, 
So they received what was in store; 
A bombardment on them was held. 
Till they to give up were compelled. 

210 



IN RHYME 



RAILROAD PANIC 

In the autumn of seventy-three, 
Jay Cook, and his bank company, 
Had deeply, far too deeply, sailed. 
In railroad schemes, and now had failed, 
And firms in each city or town, 
Faced ruin supreme and went down. 
For money the market was vexed. 
And business stagnation came next. 



CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARIES 

One hundred years its race had run. 
Since war with England first begun, 
And so the first centennial year 
Was celebrated, far and near. 
June seventeenth, at Bunker Hill, 
The crowds were celebrating still. 
The North and South together drew. 
To honor the red, white and blue. 



1876 

The signing to commemorate 

(As now the year had reached the date) 

The declaration, made with care. 

Of independence, everywhere, 

Was celebrated in our land, 

All by an exhibition grand. 

And Philadelphia was the town 

They chose, the nation's pride to crown. 

211 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 

WAR WITH THE SIOUX (1876) 

And now the Sioux refused to go 
Upon their reservation, though 
By treaty it had been assigned them; 
A force of troops was sent behind them. 
By Custer the advance was led, 
(The Indians oft from him had fled) 
While General Terry would appear, 
Up the Big Horn, at their rear. 

It was the twenty-fifth of June; 
General Custer coming soon 
Upon the Indians, did not wait 
For the support which came too late, 
But Colonel Reno he detached 
And with three companies dispatched 
To fall upon the village, back. 
While Custer would the front attack. 

A desperate conflict followed, when 
Custer himself and all his men. 
His brothers, nephew, every one, 
Were killed before the day was done. 
The Indians managed to surround 
Reno, but he held his ground 
Till reinforcements could be had, 
The red men then were beaten bad. 

POLITICAL CAMPAIGN (1876) 

Hayes was the Republicans' choice. 

For whom they would lift up their voice; 

Tilden was the Dem.'s nominee. 

And now a new party* arose. 

And Cooper and Cory, they chose. 



♦Independent greenback party. 

212 



IN RHYME 

This election was contested so 
That no one could possibly know, 
When all was done, which side had won, 
From the charges cast to and fro. 
And to a commission must go. 

So five senators had soon met 

With five representatives, yet 

Five judges, too, to help them through, 

From the Supreme Court they must get. 

To decide the election's bet. 

To this duty, grave, they soon went, 
And all their wise energies lent; 
E'er many days they said that Hayes 
Was the one to be president, 
So he to the White House was sent. 



HAYES' ADMINISTRATION (1877-1881) 

President Hayes' policy 

Was to conciliate. 
And so the troops were now withdrawn 

From out each Southern state. 
And Democratic officers — 

Permission being theirs — 
Immediately took control 

Of all their home affairs. 

And silver was demonetized 

In eighteen seventy-three; 
The sole standard of currency 

From this time gold must be; 
But opposition fierce arose 

And so in seventy-eight, 
A bill was passed and silver, too, 

Was legal from that date. 



213 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 

Both metals now came into use, 
Gold, first time since the war, 

December, eighteen seventy-nine. 
Sold in New York at par. 

FISHERY AWARD (1878) 

'Twixt England and United States 

Some difficulties rose, 
And this concerned the fisheries 

Of the northeastern coast. 
The matter was referred, by the 

Treaty of Washington, 
To a commission, to decide 

The rights of every one. 

In England's favor they decide — 
To find what England had, 

Five million dollars to them give, 
Five hundred thousand add. 

Two treaties were with China made, 
And one on commerce dwelt. 

And with Chinese immigration. 
The other treaty dealt. 

POLITICAL PARTIES 

And this time the Republicans 

Did James A. Garfield name. 
For whom they'd vote for president, 

When to the polls they came. 
The Democrats named Hancock 

Greenback — labor. Weaver led. 
James A. Garfield was elected 

To be the nation's head. 

214 



IN RHYME 

GARFIELD AND ARTHUR'S ADMINISTRATION 
(1881-1885) 

The inauguration of this president, 

(Garfield was the twentieth one) 
Marked one hundred years from the time the war 

Of the Revolution was done. 
And it also was the twentieth year 

Since the Civil War had begun. 

GARFIELD ASSASSINATED 

On July the second, eighteen eighty-one. 

The country was shocked to the heart, 
By news that the president had been shot, 

And soon from this life must depart. 
While the people, all over the country wide. 

Watched the outcome with bated breath. 
The wounded president lay for weeks. 

And hovered between life and death. 
In hopes that the sea air might do him good 

When every thing else had been tried. 
They moved him to Long Branch, New Jersey, where 

On September nineteenth he died. 

Vice-President Arthur now took the oath, 

The president's duties to fill. 
And the first bill of importance to pass 

Was the Civil Service Bill. 
'Twas in eighteen eighty-three that it passed, 

And aimed for a regulation 
Of appointment of the nation's employees. 

By means of examination. 



215 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 

And the letter postage, during this term, 

Was made for the people better; 
It was reduced in eighteen eighty-five. 

That two cents would carry a letter. 
And a bill organizing Alaska, 

Was approved in eighty-four, 
It formed for that country a government, 

And she would be lawless no more. 

POLITICAL PARTIES 

Once again the political parties, 

Each one, chose their own nominee, 
And the Democrats named Grover Cleveland, 

Their standard-bearer to be. 
And, for this campaign, the Republicans chose 

For their candidate, James G. Blaine, 
And that gentleman was the first candidate 

To arrive from the state of Maine. 
The people's party named B. F. Butler; 

For vice they named A. M. West; 
And the national prohibitionists 

Thought J. P. St. John was the best. 
But Grover Cleveland was made president, 

By votes above each of the rest. 

CLEVELAND'S ADMINISTRATION (1885-1889) 

The Democrats into power 

For the first time had come, 
Since Buchanan left the White House, 

In eighteen sixty-one. 
The presidential succession law 

Was passed in eighty-six; 
It, if the president should die. 

His successors would fix. 



216 



IN RHYME 



LABOR TROUBLES 

Strikes and labor troubles sad 

Were made by the employed, 
Which injured business very much, 

And property destroyed. 

In the city of Chicago, 

Year eighty-six, in May, 
When the policemen tried to drive 

Some anarchists away, 

A bomb was thrown among them and 

Seven policemen died; 
And others of their number 

Were injured some beside. 

And on August the thirty-first. 

And during that same year. 
There were earthquake shocks beginning, 

To make the people fear. 

They, at intervals, continued, 

And at Charleston, S. C, 
Many folks were killed or wounded 

By falling masonry. 

In the adjacent country, too. 

Great fissures opened wide. 
And geysers spouted sulphurous streams 

Which made the earth subside. 



POLITICAL 

In this campaign for president 
The tariff was, once more, 

Now brought before the public, 
To be argued as of yore. 

217 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 

To reduce the import duties 
The Democrats were bent, 

And renominated Cleveland, 
To run for president. 

The Republicans (protectionists), 

Named for their candidate, 
Benjamin Harrison, and named 

L. P. Morton for his mate. 
And the Prohibition party 

For Fisk now raised its voice. 
And from five other parties 

The voter made his choice. 
Harrison was most popular 

Of any candidate. 
And was chosen, by the people. 

To guide the ship of state. 



HARRISON'S ADMINISTRATION (1889-1893) 

Harrison's inauguration 
Was something very grand. 

And witnessed by a multitude 
From all parts of the land. 



THE JOHNSTOWN FLOOD 

The breaking of a reservoir 
Had caused this flood to be. 

And an avalanche of water 
Came rushing like a sea. 

Its width was half a mile across 
Its height was forty feet; 

218 



IN RHYME 

Swept through the valley Conemaugh 
Just as a storm might sweep. 

And of the property destroyed 
Ten million dollars cost. 

Of women and of children most. 
Thousands of lives were lost. 

The tariff question had, by now, 

Grown to importance great, 
And so they introduced a bill, 

The thing to regulate. 
'Twas passed by the Republicans, 

Their needs to duly fill, 
And it was popularly known 

As the " McKinley Bill." 



STATES ADMITTED 

Nebraska came in, eighteen sixty-seven, 

Colorado in seventy-five, 

But its constitution was not ratified 

Till seventy-six had arrived. 

And that is the reason, I will relate, 

Why it is called the Centennial State. 

And the two Dakotas next got in line. 
And entered the Union in eighty-nine. 
Montana entered November the eight, 
Washington, in three days more, was a state. 
Idaho and Wyoming followed them fast. 
And Wyoming, of this group, was the last. 



219 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 



POLITICAL 

The Reps, again named Harrison 

To be their nominee. 
The Democrats named Cleveland; 

Their choice three times was he. 
The Populists named Weaver 

With courage just as firm; 
But Cleveland was elected 

To serve his second term. 



CLEVELAND'S SECOND ADMINISTRATION (1893-1897) 

The Australian secret ballot 

Was now adopted, so 
That how you vote for president 

No other man need know. 
During this administration, 

In eighteen ninety-two, 
The public schools throughout the land, 

To keep the fact in view, 
That four hundred years had vanished 

Since the discovery 
Of this land by Columbus, they 

Observed it loyally. 

And the great buildings of the fair. 

Where all the world would bow. 
At the city of Chicago, 

Were dedicated now. 
This was meant to show the progress 

Of the land of the free, 
And this great fair was opened 

In eighteen ninety-three. 

220 



IN RHYME 

In that spring a money panic 

Caused property to " fall," 
And many firms met ruin, 

In cities large and small. 
And there were many labor strikes 

Before the year was done. 
And Coxey's army started on 

Its march to Washington. 

Then Congress met in ninety-two 

To talk about the laws 
Of the act on silver coinage, 

And repealed the purchase clause. 
In the next year the Force Act was 

Repealed, and thus, no more, 
Troops to elections might be called, 

As they had been before. 

'Twixt this country and foreigners 

Some hot disputes arose, 
Because we thought we had the right. 

The Behring Sea to close 
Against the hunter of the seal. 

Whoever he might be; 
Because we owned Alaska 

We thought we owned the sea. 
It was left to a commission 

To see if we were right, 
And it was settled peaceably 

And did not cause a fight. 

The republic of Hawaii, 

In eighteen ninety-eight, 
With all its islands, was annexed 

To the United States. 

221 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 

After a long and bitter strife, 

Congress, with all its skill, 
Made a change in import duties, 

And passed the Wilson Bill. 
This reduced protective duties 

About one-fourth, you see, 
But wool, and salt, and lumber, 

This bill admitted free. 

And this measure was condemning. 

By resolutions made. 
All trusts and combinations in 

Restraint of lawful trade. 



THE ATLANTA EXHIBITION 

Another fair was opened soon, 

In eighteen ninety-five. 
To show us how the Southern States 

Had now begun to thrive. 
Their progress, since the end of war. 

Has shown no sign of sloth; 
It is there they raise the cotton 

And weave it into cloth. 

In eighteen hundred ninety-six 

Utah became a state. 
And called attention to the fact. 

The West was growing great. 
It owns many miles of railroads. 

And towns have multiplied; 
It has mines of precious metals. 

And ranches large and wide. 

222 



IN RHYME 

POLITICS 

In this campaign the Democrats 

Made choice without delay 
Of William Jennings Bryan, 

To lead them in the fray. 
The Populists endorsed the choice, 

And thought that it was good. 
And for silver coinage, free. 

Both of these parties stood. 
Republicans, opposed to this, 

William McKinley's name. 
Who was elected president 

When fall elections came. 

McKINLEY'S ADMINISTRATION (1897-1901) 

The government, to meet its bills. 

More money must receive, 
And so they passed the Dingley Act, 

This pressure to relieve. 
It was another tariff law. 

And duties it restored 
On wool, and other articles 

The Wilson tariff lowered. 
But it kept in force the sections 

Of that bill which forbade 
That anyone should form a trust. 

Restraining lawful trade. 

In eighteen ninety-seven. 

With all a nation's pride, 
Grant's tomb was dedicated 

Ih New York, at Riverside. 
And the Congressional Library 

That fall, at Washington, 
A thing of art and beauty. 

Was oped to every one. 



223 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 

AMENDED CONSTITUTIONS 

Within the years that lay between 

Years ninety-one and eight, 
Amended constitutions were 

Adopted in some states. 
Mississippi, South Carolina, 

And Louisiana lead. 
In requiring that each voter 

Should, at least, know how to read. 

And South Dakota made a change 

In eighteen ninety-eight. 
Giving more power in making laws 

To people of the state. 
If five per cent of all the men 

Ask that a law be made, 
At an election called, it is 

Before the people laid. 

REBELLION IN CUBA 

Eighteen sixty-eight rebellion appears 
In little Cuba, and lasted ten years. 
Eighteen ninety-five it started again; 
Independence or death they vowed to obtain. 
And the Philippine Islands' people took care 
Their independence of Spain to declare. 
President Cleveland thought it a disgrace 
And said if continued 'twould ruin the place, 
And rather than see that our duty would be 
The conflict to stop and the people to free. 

When McKinley entered his office, the war 
In Cuba still raged, the country to mar. 
And much of American property there. 
Already destroyed beyond all repair. 
The farmers, who wished for a peaceable life. 
Were hanged if they did not join in the strife. 



224 



IN RHYME 
# 
Or General Weyler, on the other hand, 
Forced them by thousands away from their land, 
And in crowded cities he made them abide, 
Where they of starvation or pestilence died. 
And it was reported by General Lee, 
Our Havana Consul, who was there to see, 
That of fourteen thousand, in one city near, 
Half died of starvation in one single year. 

The United States for this would not stand, 

And so our president made a demand 

That Spain should take heed to what he would say, 

And stop the sad war without more delay. 

Then Spain decided that Weyler they'd take 

Back, and send Blanco, some reforms to make. 

Starvation and woe he labored to ease. 

And offered the people home rule and peace. 

This the Revolutionists would not receive, 
And in Spain's promises would not believe; 
For with independence, and nothing less. 
They were determined the country to bless. 
When General Blanco an officer sent, 
In order his terms of peace to present, 
Gomez, the leader, sent back no reply, 
But had the officer hanged as a spy. 



THE MAINE 

Thus the situation in Cuba lay, 
When everything changed, in a sudden way. 
The United States sent to Cuba one day 
The battleship Maine, just a visit to pay. 
While lying in harbor, the night of the date, 
February fifteenth, eighteen ninety-eight. 



225 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 

The Maine was blown up; of officers, two. 
With two hundred sixty, and four, of her crew 
Were killed, and the news to this country came, 
Fanning excitement into a flame. 

And then we appointed a naval court, 

To investigate and make a report. 

When they had examined, careful and long. 

They made a report with conviction strong. 

" The Maine was destroyed by a submarine mine, 

Which might have been accident or design." 

And they simply stated this as a fact, 

And accused no one of the guilty act. 

Spain expressed the regret of its government 

For the most " lamentable incident," 

And declared they believed the explosion came 

From causes within the battleship Maine, 

And urged the whole question should be referred 

To a committee, and stand by its word. 

That other nations these judges should choose. 

But this proposition our coimtry refused. 

So a special message McKinley sent 

To Congress, expressing his discontent. 

He declared, in the name of humanity 

And civilization, wherever it be, 

And of American interests there, 

The war in Cuba should stop, or beware. 

Then Congress moved — as they sympathized — 

That the Cuban republic be recognized. 

The motion failed, but both houses agreed 
That the Island of Cuba should be freed. 
Resolved " that the people of Cuba were free 
And independent, as they ought to be." 



226 



IN RHYME 

Those same resolutions made a demand 

That Spain should give up her rights to that land. 

Also that in case that Spain should refuse, 

The president was authorized to use 

Our forces, of land and sea, to compel 

The Spanish no more on the island to dwell. 

And finally Congress resolved that when peace 

Should be made in Cuba that land we'd release, 

And so leave the government and control 

To its people themselves to rule as a whole. 

But Spain could not see our demands in that light, 

And it was soon clear that our country must fight. 

Our president called men to volunteer; 
A million men answered and said, " I am here." 
And money was voted to clothe, feed and pay 
The men who had offered to help in the fray. 
In a contest with Spain the navy, of course. 
Would come into play before the land force. 
So William T. Sampson, with war vessels, made 
A journey to Cuba, her ports to blockade. 

The president ordered Commodore Schley 
A squadron to organize, that could fly, 
Of fast armed steamers, at Fort Monroe, 
This fleet to be ready when called on to go. 
And now it was time for Spain to " beware," 
For Congress proceeded war to declare. 
This war was declared to decide Cuba's fate, 
On April twenty-fifth, eighteen ninety-eight. 

Commodore Dewey was in command then 
Of our Asiatic Squadron, and when 
War was declared he was ordered to go 
At once, to Manila and capture the foe. 



227 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 

Or the Spanish squadron which guarded that town, 
And which Dewey's fleet was supposed to bring down. 
To strike in two place our battleships came; 
The Philippine Islands and Cuba the same. 

Six vessels had Dewey in this melee; 

The Spanish had twice as many as he, 

But their boats were smaller and much weaker, too, 

And their sailors could not aim their guns true. 

Although they were brave their fleet was no match 

For Dewey's, who beat them, and sent a dispatch 

To the president, on the first day of May, 

That he'd had a battle with Spaniards that day 

At Manila's port, fulfilling the plan; 

Destroyed every vessel, not losing a man. 

Then Congress at once this hero would thank. 

And to Rear Admiral they changed his rank. 

And after the war promoted him to 

An Admiral, for his services true. 

And Captain Sampson and Commodore Schley 

Were Rear Admirals when war had gone by. 



CERVERA'S SQUADRON 

A short time before Dewey's victory 

A squadron of four armed cruisers and three 

Torpedo boat destroyers, in Cervera's care. 

Left Cape Verde Islands, for — we knew not where. 

With his flying squadron, Commodore Schley 

To find this enemy set out to try. 

And found that the chase to Santiago led. 

" They will never get home," with a smile he said. 

And a few days later, to corner the foe. 

Came Sampson with war ships to Santiago. 



228 



IN RHYME 

One of his squadron was the battleship 
Oregon, which on a long, hasty trip 
From the Pacific, had sailed day and night, 
Thirteen thousand miles to join in this fight. 

Now this harbor's entrance is very long, 
Narrow, and crooked; was protected strong 
By land batteries and submarine mines, 
And Cervera's squadron was within its lines, 
And this made it hard for our vessels to trail 
Into the harbor, the foe to assail. 
But Cervera's vesels could not come out 
Without meeting some of our war ships about. 

The entrance was watched by our fleet, " as a cat. 
By the side of a hole, might watch for a rat;" 
But, in spite of this, Cervera's ships might 
Slip out in a fog or darkness of night. 
And elude our guns and bid us good-bye. 
And so to cork up the bottle we'd try. 

Lieutenant Hobson then begged to be sent 

Out to undertake the experiment. 

Now this piece of daring would quicken the breath, 

Just like running into the jaws of death. 

But with seven men, as daring, to aid, 

Hobson had soon the experiment made. 

He ran the coal ship Merrimac into the 

Channel and sank the ship under the sea. 

And though he was captured with all of his crew. 

He had accomplished what he went to do. 

But the Spaniards soon exchanged these men for 

Some whom we held as prisoners of war. 

And when Hobson, to New York came away. 

The hero, he found himself, of the day. 



229 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 



SANTIAGO 

Next Shafter landed a force that was great, 

Near Santiago, to co-operate 

With Captain Sampson to capture that town; 

A place for our soldiers to win some renown. 

And but one week did our men have to wait. 

On the first of July, eighteen ninety-eight. 

The battle commenced and our soldiers had gone 

Up the heights of El Caney and San Juan. 

In spite of defenses made of barbed wire 

And other devises our men did not tire. 

But bravely upon the enemy fell 

And to Santiago they drove them pell mell. 

And then Captain Sampson to the coast ran 

To confer with Shafter about a plan 

To attack the city, while Commodore Schley 

Kept watch, that Cervera did not go by. 

Not long after Captain Sampson had left, 
The air, by a shout from the Brooklyn was cleft. 
For out of the harbor the Spaniards came; 
Both sides opened fire, at once, just the same. 
Cervera's six vessels were no match for our 
Fleet, which had four battleships of great power, 
And in a few hours there was naught left to greet 
But blazing wrecks of the enemy's fleet. 

Spain had but few battleships left of her host. 
And she kept them at home to protect her coast. 
Her lost power at sea she never could mend. 
And therefore the war was near to an end. 
And soon after this the Spaniards laid down 
Their arms, and gave up Santiago town. 
And then from the war Spain wished a release. 
And asked on what terms we were willing for peace. 



230 



IN RHYME 

By the terms of our treaty of peace with Spain 
She never would meddle with Cuba again. 
The islands of Porto Rico and Guam 
Into the possession of our country came. 
The third provision of the treaty was thus: 
Spain gave the Philippine Islands to us. 

Hawaii was annexed to us, in July, 
Eighteen ninety-eight, and the reason why 
Was, Congress said that we needed the place 
For defense, as a military base. 



THE PAN-AMERICAN EXPOSITION 

In the spring of nineteen hundred and one, 

The Pan-American Exposition 

Was opened in New York, at Buffalo, 

The western continent's progress to show. 

President McKinley attended the fair, 

And his last public speech he delivered there. 

He gave a reception upon the next day. 

The people to meet, e'er he went on his way; 

Was shot, in a way that was cruel and grim. 

By one who had come to shake hands with him. 

The man was an anarchist, foolish and bold, 

And when arrested his reasons he told. 

To destroy the government was his intent. 

And for his folly he now must repent. 

The president died, and his funeral day. 
All parties gathered, their tribute to pay 
Of grief, to the memory of the man 
Who had held the highest place in our land. 
And Theodore Roosevelt, the vice-president. 
As our president to the White House went. 



231 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 



THE GREAT COAL STRIKE 

In Pennsylvania, the twelfth day of May, 
For shorter hours labor, and better pay, 
The United Mine Workers tested their " luck," 
And a hundred and forty thousand men struck. 
And for the first time since hard coal was found. 
All of the anthracite mines were shut down. 
But after five months the strike was released, 
When Roosevelt had named a commission of peace. 

A cable was laid, to talk to and fro, 

Between Hawaii and San Francisco, 

And there with another to Hong Kong was bound; 

Now messages circle the whole world around. 

And in nineteen three our president sent 

A wireless despatch, which to King Edward went. 

It was the first message to go through the air 

From the United States unto — anywhere. 

The Louisiana Purchase Exposition 

Was opened in nineteen and four. 
To show all the nations who might come to see 

Our power and progress once more. 



THE FIFTY-SEVENTH CONGRESS 

The fifty-seventh Congress passed three laws 

Meaning the trusts to regulate. 
Suspended the duty on foreign coal, 

For about one year from that date. 
A government fixed for the Philippines, 

And three million dollars they gave 
For relief to those who had striven and failed. 

Their grain at the harvest to save. 



232 



IN RHYME 

And they passed a new Immigration Act, 

Under which the anarchists are 
Forbidden to enter the United States, 

Thus meaning to keep them afar. 
They renewed the Chinese Exclusion Act, 

And created something quite new; 
The Department of Commerce and Labor, 

And furnished it something to do. 

POLITICAL 

In the election of nineteen four 
It was Theodore Roosevelt won 

The presidency over Parker, 

The man whom the Democrats " run. 



WHAT WE ARE DOING 

We are cutting a channel so that ships can 

Through Isthmus of Panama go, 
Which will shorten the route, by eight thousand miles, 

From New York to San Francisco. 
The State of New York is busy at work, 

The Erie Canal to enlarge; 
Which will carry millions of bushels of grain, 

From the west, at a smaller charge. 

We have many more miles of railroad than all 

The countries of Europe combined. 
And we are increasing the speed of our trains 

To leave other nations behind. 
Health we are trying in all ways to save, 

And guiding the children along, 
So they will grow up in a way that is wise, 

With bodies and minds that are strong. 



233 



UNITED STATES HISTORY 

Pure food for each and for every one 

We are trying hard to secure; 
With villages working for cleaner streets, 

And water to drink that is pure. 
And each of the cities in our fair land 

Has its park for a pleasure ground, 
Where, for every one, the rich or the poor, 

Sunshine and fresh air may be found. 

In nineteen and six a large earthquake came, 

And on California it fell; 
It created havoc in that sunny land. 

Far greater than my pen can tell. 
The dreadful disaster, the sympathy roused 

Of people, where e'er they might live. 
Help for the unfortunate came from all sides, 

Food, shelter and clothing to give. 

And that year three bills were by Congress passed, 
Which were meant to better the laws: 

The Railway Rate Bill, and the Pure Food Bill, 
And, one, meat inspection to cause. 

In nineteen and seven, quite late in the fall, 

Oklahoma a state became, 
By joining with Indian Territory, 

And both coming in by one name. 

In the presidential election 

Of November, nineteen and eight, 
Once more the Republicans triumphed. 

By electing their candidate. 
For William H. Taft was elected. 

The Democrats meeting defeat: 
And again they had fought, under Bryan, 

The public issues to meet. 



234 



CONTENTS 

Page 
Frontispiece: George Washington 

Poem, " America " ' . 3 

Mound Builders and Indians 4 

Columbus 5 

The Cabots 7 

Spanish Explorations 7 

French Explorations 9 

English Explorations 14 

The Dutch 16 

Colonization 17 

First Colonial Assembly 20 

The Pilgrims 24 

Massachusetts Bay Colony 26 

New England a Royal Province 31 

Maine and New Hampshire 33 

Connecticut 34 

New Haven 36 

Rhode Island 38 

New York 39 

New Jersey 42 

Pennsylvania and Delaware 43 

Maryland 46 

The Carolinas 48 

Georgia 50 

King William's War 51 

Queen Anne's War 52 

King George's War 53 

French and Indian War 54 

Acadia 58 

Ticonderoga 59, 60, 77 

Niagara; Quebec 60,61 

235 



CONTENTS 

Page 

Pontiac's War 63 

Progress 64 

The Revolutionary War 65 

First Continental Congress 70 

Battle of Lexington 71 

Paul Revere's Ride 71 

Battle of Bunker Hill 76 

Second Continental Congress 78 

Expedition Against Canada 78 

Evacuation of Boston 79 

Attack on Fort Moultrie 80 

Declaration of Independence 80 

Campaign Near New York 80 

Battle of Trenton 83 

Battle of Princeton 83 

Battle of Brandywine 84 

Battle of Germantown 85 

Burgoyne's Invasion 85 

Winter in Valley Forge 88 

Battle of Monmouth 89 

The Wyoming Massacre 90 

War in the South 90 

Campaign at the North 91 

Capture of Stony Point 91 

Naval Exploits 92 

Campaign at the South 94 

Arnold's Treason 96 

Siege of Yorktown 99 

The Surrender 100 

Washington's Administration 103 

Indian Troubles 104 

John Adams' Administration 106 

Jefferson's Administration 107 

The First Steamboat 108 

Madison's Administration 110 

Second War with Great Britain Ill 

236 



CONTENTS 

Page 

Perry's Victory 114 

Battle of the Thames .115 

Chesapeake and the Shannon 116 

Creek War 116 

Battle of Lundy's Lane 117 

Ravages on the Atlantic Coast 118 

Monroe's Administration 121 

J. Q. Adams' Administration 122 

Jackson's Administration 123 

Van Buren's Administration 126 

Harrison's Administration 127 

The Mormons 128 

War With Mexico 129 

Capture of Monterey 130 

Battle of Buena Vista 131 

General Scott's Army 132 

Battles Before Mexico 133 

Gold in California 134 

Taylor and Filmore's Administration ... 135 

Pierce's Administration 136 

Buchanan's Administration 137 

States Admitted 141 

Lincoln's Administration 153 

Battle of Bull Run 156 

War in Missouri 157 

In the West 159 

Battle of Shiloh 160 

Island No. 10 161 

Battles of luka and Corinth 163 

Battle of Murfreesboro 163 

First Vicksburg Expedition 164 

Capture of New Orleans 165 

Merrimac and Monitor 166 

Battle of Williamsburg 168 

Battle of Fair Oaks 170 

Battle of Antietam 174 

237 



CONTENTS 

Page 

Battle of Fredricksburg 174 

The Sioux War 175 

Second Expedition Against Vicksburg . . . . 176 

Battle of Chickamauga 177 

Battle of Chattanooga 178 

Lee's Second Invasion of the North 181 

Battle of Gettysburg 181 

Sherman's March to the Sea 186 

War in Virginia 187 

Early's Raid 189 

" Sheridan's Ride " 191 

On the Sea and Coast 193 

Sherman's March 197 

Siege of Richmond 198 

Attack on Fort Steadman 199 

Battle of Five Forks 199 

Lee's Surrender 200 

Battle Hymn of the Republic 201 

Johnson's Administration 202 

Atlantic Cable 206 

Treaty with China 207 

Grant's Administration 208 

Prosperity 208 

Disasters 208 

Treaty of Washington 209 

Railroad Panic 211 

Centennial 211 

War with the Sioux 212 

Hayes' Administration 213 

Fishery Award 214 

Garfield and Arthur's Administration 215 

Cleveland's Administration 216, 220 

Labor Troubles 217 

Harrison's Administration 218 

McKinley's Administration 223 

Amended Constitutions 224 

238 



CONTENTS 

Page 

Rebellion in Cuba 224 

The Maine .225 

Cervera's Squadron 228 

Santiago 230 

The Pan-American Exposition 231 

The Great Coal Strike 232 

Fifty-Seventh Congress 232 

What We are Doing 233 



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